Federal Gold Coast MP Karen Andrews has announced she will quit the Opposition frontbench and will not recontest the next election, ending her long-running political career.
“After much deliberation, I have decided not to recontest the seat of McPherson at the next election, and as a result I have asked Peter Dutton not to include me in his new Shadow Ministry,” Ms Andrews confirmed in a statement on Tuesday morning.
“Having made the decision to call time on my political career, I wanted to ensure the Coalition has maximum time to have a replacement in the crucial Home Affairs portfolio, and the best local candidate for McPherson in place.”
Ms Andrews said it “has been an immense privilege” to serve for well over a decade.
“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve this nation as Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, and as Minister for Industry, Science and Technology under a Coalition Government, and on the shadow front bench as Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Child Protection and the Prevention of Family Violence,” she said.
“I am proud to have been the first female Queensland MP in a Cabinet role, and I am even prouder of the strong work the Coalition did in government.
“I will continue to support the party position on the Voice and to campaign hard for a Coalition victory at the next election.
“I look forward to continuing to serve my constituents with honour and diligence until the next election, and represent their concerns as the Federal Member for McPherson.”
Mr Dutton has confirmed this morning Victorian senator James Paterson will take over Ms Andrews’ role in the home affairs portfolio. He will also keep his existing cybersecurity portfolio.
NT Country Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price will be promoted to shadow cabinet in the Indigenous Australians portfolio following Julian Leeser’s resignation.
South Australian Liberal MP Kerrynne Liddle will also join the outer ministry as Shadow Minister for Child Protection and Prevention of Family Violence.
Western Australian Liberal MP Michaelia Cash will add Shadow Attorney-General to her current portfolios of employment and workplace relations.
