36/2010
24 June 2010
Today I announced in Parliament that I will not be re-contesting the seat of Melbourne at the next election.
Recently I advised Prime Minister Kevin Rudd that I did not intend to contest the forthcoming election. He asked me to reconsider my decision, and I agreed to talk further with him at the conclusion of the Parliamentary session. We were scheduled to discuss this matter at 9:30am today. My intention was to advise him that my decision had not changed, and to seek to announce it later today.
After this morning’s Caucus meeting, I advised incoming Prime Minister Julia Gillard of my decision. I indicated to her that I was willing to serve in my present role until the election, but that I would accept whatever decision she chose to make on that question.
My decision is absolutely unrelated to the events of the last twenty-four hours, and is entirely related to personal considerations. I will continue to work as hard as I can for the re-election of the Government, which has been a very good government, and will continue to be a very good government. I will also work as hard as I can to ensure that Labor retains the seat of Melbourne.
I would like to thank the Australian Labor Party, and the trade union movement for the extraordinary privilege of representing the labour movement in Federal Parliament for more than seventeen years. I thank the ALP members and voters in the electorate of Melbourne for their support over that period. I thank all of my loyal and dedicated staff, past and present, electorate and ministerial, for their efforts over that time. I thank all of those friends, colleagues and supporters, who have supported and invested in me over that time. I thank Kevin Rudd for the opportunity to serve as a senior Cabinet Minister in a Labor Government.
Most importantly, I thank my wife Andrea and children Jemma, James, Ainsley and Remy for their love and support in often difficult circumstances.
I have no new job or position arranged. I expect to pursue opportunities in the academic and business worlds.
| Media Contact: | Website: |
|---|---|
| Nardia Dazkiw, 0418 144 690 - Minister Tanner's office | www.financeminister.gov.au |
