Former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has cancelled two of her book tour events in the wake of her partner being charged with rape.
Ms Palaszczuk was due to appear at an event in Maryborough on Thursday to discuss her new memoir, The Politics of Being Me, with Fraser Coast mayor George Seymour.
However, the event listing on the website has since been updated to say “postponed”.
“Please keep an eye on the website for future updates,” it said.
The former Premier was also scheduled to appear at a book event at the Australian National University in Canberra, but that was also called off.
Attendees were told via email that the planned talk had been cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
“We regret to inform you that Meet the author – Annastacia Palaszczuk has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances,” the email from ANU Events said.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding”.
It comes just days after her partner, Dr Reza Adib, was charged by police after officers raided his luxury Gold Coast apartment.
The 65-year-old is facing three counts of rape, two counts of deprivation of liberty and one count of sexual assault
“It will be alleged the man sexually assaulted a woman in her 30’s at a Burleigh Heads residence on 30 March,” Queensland Police said.
In a statement, Dr Adib’s lawyer Dan Rogers said his client was “shocked about the allegations made about him and is taking the matter very seriously”.
“Like all persons accused of a crime, he is presumed to be innocent and intends to vigorously defend the charges,” Mr Rogers said.
“Right now, Dr Adib is primarily concerned about the welfare of his family and his patients and he will do whatever it takes to ensure that they are looked after in the coming weeks.
“Dr Adib asks that the media respect the privacy of his family and his patients at this difficult time.
“Dr Adib will not be making any comment about the matters while they are before the courts.”
