This week I wrote to the residents of Adelaide to inform them I will not be standing as a candidate at the next federal election.
I have made this decision for one simple reason: I cannot bear the thought of spending at least 20 weeks of every year in Canberra away from my son, who will be starting school in the next term of Parliament, and from the rest of my family.
This has been a very difficult decision for me because I believe Bill Shorten and Labor can and should win the next election. I would love to be able to play a key role in a federal government focussed on the needs of the Australian public and working to improve our amazing country.
Ultimately, we all have to make choices and I know that regularly missing things like my son’s first day at school, his first sporting match, or even just tucking him in at night or being there when he is sick and wants his mum, would make me absolutely miserable.
I am grateful that I have had the chance to work in such an amazing job for as long as I have, and for the faith our community has placed in me.
I have no intention to cause a by-election or to walk away from the job I was elected to do. Representing the Adelaide community is one of the most humbling and rewarding privileges I could imagine, and I will continue to do so to the best of my ability until the next election.
** A copy of the letter I sent to the residents of Adelaide is attached.
