STATEMENT

Approaching a decade in Parliament, I have decided it is time to retire from state politics at the upcoming NSW election.

Politics rarely affords you the chance to leave on your own terms. I have given this job everything I have, and it is time for the next chapter.

For the past three and a half years I have enjoyed serving as a senior member of the NSW Coalition leadership team.

Serving as a Cabinet Minister in the NSW Coalition Government was a highlight of my career, and I am grateful to have worked under two inspiring Premiers.

Throughout my time in Parliament, I have tried to embody the spirit of a ‘happy warrior.’ I hope the civility and respect I extended to colleagues across the aisle helped lift our politics above the usual fray of the ‘Bear Pit’.

I entered Parliament believing that good government should reward initiative, be compassionate, provide a safety net for the vulnerable and, that evidence must prevail over ideology. I leave with those convictions only strengthened. As populism gains ground on the left and right, we cannot allow the politics of grievance to diminish the harder, more honest work of governing well. The ‘sensible centre’ built New South Wales and our nation, and it is worth defending.

To anyone considering a life in politics, I encourage you to do it. It is harder than it looks but also more rewarding, and our democracy needs smart people dedicated to the public good and serving their community.

Over nearly 10 years of service, I am proud of my record, particularly the funding and construction of Australia’s first Adolescent and Young Adult Palliative Care Hospice in Manly, co-authoring the state’s first-ever Veterans Strategy, and work as Environment and Heritage Minister, notably the largest acquisition of private land for a new national park in NSW history.

As Shadow Minister for Energy, Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Investment, I have argued that we must embrace the future with optimism by harnessing the vast opportunities of the energy transition and artificial intelligence, rather than giving in to the fear of change.

Above all, I am proud of staying true to my own convictions, whether supporting the right of people to have dignity in their last days through voluntary assisted dying, or fighting to reduce the number of poker machines in New South Wales. That battle remains unfinished business. I know others in my Party room will take up the fight.

The seat of Manly is a ‘jewel in the crown’ with a distinguished history I am proud to be part of. Since its creation as an electorate in 1927, I am the eighth person to represent it and had the honour of following a Premier into Parliament.

Next year, seat of Manly marks its centenary, and I am confident my successor will carry it into its second century in good hands.

To the Manly Liberal Party, thank you for backing me through three hard-fought consecutive election victories. Our Manly brand of optimistic Liberalism, underpinned by integrity, passion and results shows that voters seek and endorse those qualities when given the chance.

To my loyal Ministerial and Electorate Office staff, my friends and my family. You gave me your time, your patience, and your unconditional support so that I could deliver for this community and state without pause for a decade. I could not have done a single day of this without you. 

And finally, to my wonderful community, we have so much to be proud of. Representing you has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life.

As for what comes next, I do not know, but I look forward to bringing the same integrity, passion, and results to the next chapter of my life.

ENDS.

Current positions:

• Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change
• Shadow Minister for Digital, Artificial Intelligence and Investment
• Manager of Opposition Business in the Legislative Assembly
• Member, Standing Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics
• Member, Standing Orders and Procedures Committee
• Member, Joint Standing Committee on Net Zero Future 

Parliamentary record:

• Minister for the Environment and Heritage
• Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment
• Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Veterans
• Chair, Committee of Environment and Planning
• Chair, Legislation Review Committee
• Elected, Manly By-election April 2017