Australia's Queensland state leader quits politics

CANBERRA, Sep 10 (Reuters) The Premier of Australia's northern state of Queensland, Peter Beattie, announced his resignation today after nine years in office, saying it was time for his centre-left Labor party to renew its leadership.

The surprise resignation comes ahead of looming national elections that polls suggest would be won by Labor, which is also in power in each of Australia's six states and two territories.

Beattie, 54, is the second ruling state leader to stand aside this year, with the Premier of the southern Victoria state, Steve Bracks, quitting in July to spend more time with his family.

''It's about renewal,'' Beattie told reporters, saying he would stand down from Thursday. He endorsed his current Deputy and Queensland's state Treasurer, Anna Blight, to replace him.

Beattie first won power in Queensland, a popular tourist state that also has significant mineral resources, in 1998. He has been re-elected to govern twice, with Labor winning 63 of the 89 seats in Queensland's parliament in February 2004.

Known for his enthusiasm with the media and wide grin, Beattie overturned the usual practice in Australian politics by openly admitting to his political mistakes, while also promising to take responsibility and fix the problems.

Beattie remained true to his style today.

''I haven't been perfect, as you all know. I've made my share of mistakes, and when we have I've tried to admit them and get on with it,' he told reporters. ''Sometimes it was good enough, sometimes it wasn't good enough. But I always did my best.'' REUTERS JT AS1133