Speaker Curtis Pitt returns after mental health break
Queensland Speaker of the House Curtis Pitt has returned to state parliament’s chair on Budget Day after a temporary hiatus citing mental health, divorce and health issues.
Queensland Speaker Curtis Pitt. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)
Pitt missed the regional parliament’s sitting in Cairns last month within his electorate of Mulgrave.
He took to social media to admit he was “not doing as well emotionally as I’ve made out to anyone” after a divorce from a two-decade marriage and dealing with ulcerative colitis, depression and his parents’ serious health issues.
The five-term MP again took to social media to post a picture of four Superman models on the eve of his return to parliament, saying it was essential to seek help and not everyone had to be a man of steel.
“The 12th of June is Superman Day – it’s also the day I’m returning to work,” he said.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who has given me so much support during my time away.
“I am very grateful.
“While I’m going back to work, my journey is just the beginning … you don’t need to be the Man of Steel on the outside.
“It’s what’s inside that counts, and talking is important.”
