Australians thought the much-loved and quietly-spoken Barty exemplified the best of our national characteristics. She will be missed on the international stage not just because of her tennis abilities but for her generosity of spirit and natural self-effacing disposition. These are attitudes not commonly found in our political and public arenas. This made Barty an even more exceptional role model for all Australians.

When she stood aside she told us that she had achieved her goals in winning Wimbledon and the Australian Open titles and now wanted to concentrate on family and her future life in Australia. Commentators cited the extensive travel and loneliness away from home on the international tennis tour, which impacted more than most on women players from Australia. International tennis is a demanding workplace.

Tasmanian premiers are usually not well known outside of their own state. However, Gutwein was thrust into the national spotlight by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to public attention on state and territory leaders as part of the new national cabinet. We witnessed daily media reports at the height of the pandemic from all these leaders. Gutwein demonstrated a calm and business-like demeanour and Tasmania emerged with a good record.

When he stood down he mentioned that he gave 110 per cent to the job of premier during an extremely demanding couple of years. This left him exhausted. In a catchy phrase he admitted that he had "no more petrol in the tank". After caring for Tasmanian families as best he could he now wished to devote himself to his own family. Commentators also cited his health problems.

These two striking examples raise many issues about public life. While we commonly appreciate the status and the power, not to mention the adulation and the financial rewards, which come with various public roles, when people walk away from them prematurely our attention is drawn to the demands and pressures of such lives. Success, whether it comes in sport or politics, brings with it many sacrifices. The individuals themselves make sacrifices and so do their families.

Public figures rarely ask for sympathy and, when they do, the public is often not inclined to be sympathetic because it sees celebrity life as privileged. After all no one is forced into such a public role. It is always a personal choice, and they are always free to leave it. Now Barty and Gutwein have done just that. She will continue to be a revered national figure, while he will fade into the relative obscurity of former state premiers, especially from smaller states.

The looming federal election makes it an appropriate time to think about these bigger issues raised by the decisions both Barty and Gutwein have taken.

The first thing is to recognise that public leadership can be very tough. The past few years of bushfires, floods and the pandemic have made the job even tougher. The demands of decision making, public communication and taking responsibility are enormous. When mistakes are made the community can be unforgiving. Performing under the public gaze brings great pressure, whether it is to satisfy the public by winning an Australian Open or to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the community for government support during a social and economic crisis. Leaders are expected to rise to the occasion.

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The second aspect is to reflect upon longevity in public life. Those who are remembered longest and accorded the highest rank are generally those who stay at the top longest. In women's tennis the highest accolades go to Margaret Court and Serena Williams. By walking away Barty has sacrificed a chance to win more major titles to go with the three she achieved. Ultimately these numbers will impact on her relative status in the history of the game.

In Australian federal politics Sir Robert Menzies, John Howard and Bob Hawke stand out for longevity and recognition. Perhaps only John Curtin is admitted as a challenger for the title of greatest prime minister despite his shorter term in office. But longevity is not everything, though it is prized and brings stability. All three of the longest-serving prime ministers probably stayed on a little too long. That is a debate for another day, but their records show that stepping away is hard.

Maybe we should recognise that shorter can be better. Better to have the services of someone who is giving 110 per cent for a shorter period than someone who has begun to run out of petrol hanging on. No one is irreplaceable and the next generation may be stifled by people staying on too long.

Barty has been celebrated for her decision to make an early departure from the top. While we will continue to celebrate those who remain and serve for a long time, we should also congratulate those who choose an earlier transition to another life.

It may not always be an individual choice, of course. Winners in both sport and politics can keep going as long as they wish. Those who are not so successful will be pushed aside. The world is cruel in that way.