Australian Liberal frontbencher Jonno Duniam to retire from politics
Australia's Liberal Party Tasmanian senator and frontbencher Jonno Duniam said he would quit politics by year-end. After 25 years in public life, Duniam framed the decision as a need to prioritise his family.
Jonno Duniam's retirement comes amid a renewal debate inside the Liberal Party after it lost government last year. According to ABC News, the 51-year-old Duniam told leader Susan Ley in a letter that he would finish his duties by year-end. Duniam has been a Tasmanian senator since 2016 and held the fisheries and forestry portfolios in the shadow cabinet.
In a statement, the Tasmanian Liberal Party president said an internal pre-selection process to replace him would begin in late June. Possible candidates include former senator Eric Abetz and current Tasmanian state MP Felix Ellis. The retirement is not seen as upsetting the Coalition balance and will not affect federal parliament before the July recess.
Duniam added that his family wanted to build a permanent life in Tasmania. Members of the parliamentary opposition said they had received the decision with respect. After a farewell speech at year-end, the Senate seat will be filled permanently by a successor.
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