Thank you
Serving as the Member for Deakin over the past 12 years has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
I have loved working for my community, not because of the title or the office, but because of the people I’ve had the chance to stand beside and stand up for. I will always be grateful to those who put their trust and faith in me at five elections.
When I entered politics, I was determined to fight for the people who don’t have a voice in Canberra. The everyday Australians who love our country, who work hard and who see their children and next generation of Australians as the greatest investment in our future.
I was also determined to defend the values and institutions that have stood the test of time, and which have ultimately made Australia the greatest country on earth.
I am satisfied I did everything I could to live up to these ambitions, even when it was hard or unpopular at the time.
I am honoured to be the only Member for Deakin to have ever held a Ministerial portfolio. And I want to thank the former Prime Ministers and leaders who gave me the opportunity to serve in a range of roles including as the Minister for Housing, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Homelessness, Social and Community Housing.
I have also enjoyed being at the forefront of the national political debate in recent years as a Shadow Minister and Manager of Opposition Business.
Yet, while I have enjoyed these important national roles, it has always been the people of Deakin that have emotionally and spiritually sustained me.
Many have commented or thanked me for the engagement and amount of time I have spent in our community, whether at a school, sporting club or other community group. But truly, that was the best part of the job. The part which energised me and provided so much personal satisfaction. The everyday common-sense views you gave me also acted as my guiding light on so many difficult issues.
So, to every person, community group, or club that has opened your arms to me over the past 12 years, thank you. You probably didn’t realise how much I personally got from just spending time with you.
I have also been blessed with dedicated electorate and ministerial staff who have selflessly served our electorate, nation and myself personally – which in turn enabled us to achieve all that we did.
Now, I look forward to spending more time with my wife Anna and my sons, Leo and Nathan. While I have been a volunteer for this relentless job, my family have been the conscripts. Their love, support, and understanding throughout my time of service has meant everything.
I will always look back on my time as the Member for Deakin fondly and though this chapter comes to a close, I am optimistic and energised about the opportunities and future that lies ahead.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.