When the House of Representatives resumes I will tender my resignation to the Speaker as Member for Higgins.  This will allow a by-election to be called this year and for it to be held at the same time as the by-election for Bradfield.

It has been a privilege and honour to serve as Member for Higgins for just on 20 years – the longest period of any of its Members since the seat was established in 1949.  I have always considered my representative duties as my first priority – one of the reasons I maintained my residence in Melbourne during a long Ministerial career.  During the last two years, the first I have served without a frontbench position, I have had the chance to work daily from my suburban Electorate Office and spend more time than ever with constituents.  I will be sad to say farewell.  Although I will return to private life I hope to continue some measure of service to the public in the future.

The Liberal Party has now chosen an outstanding candidate for election in Higgins – Kelly O’Dwyer.  I believe she will be part of the renewal which the Liberal Party now needs to undertake.  Successful organisations plan for succession and engage in renewal.  I will give her every support as she campaigns for support in the electorate. 

I wish my colleagues in the Parliamentary Liberal Party every success in the Federal election next year.

I thank my Electorate Committee comprised of the finest people I have ever met and I thank the Liberal Party Members in the Electorate of Higgins who have given me total support.  I acknowledge with gratitude my many friends outside of politics who have stood by me in difficult times.

I thank my Electorate Staff:- Aly, Louise and Merryn for their loyalty and dedication.   Especially I thank Philippa Campbell who has been an outstanding person to work with.

Most of all I thank my greatest supporters:-  my dear wife Tanya and our wonderful children Seb, Maddy and Phoebe.  Now removed from the relentless cycle of the political life we will have the chance to spend a brief time together as a family before each of our children steps out into their own independent stories.