LONG-SERVING politician, Sharman Stone will retire when her term ends later this year.
The Federal Member for Murray announced on Saturday her 20-year association with the electorate will end when voters go to the polls, which could be as early as July 2.
Born in Pyramid Hill, the 64-year-old is the third person to have represented the electorate – which covers Gunbower – but will spend the shortest period of time in the role, with John McEwen (1949-1971) and Bruce Lloyd (1971-1996) progressing further into their third decade as elected representatives.
“I have been honoured to have served this magnificent region as the Federal Member, but now I believe is the right time to pass the torch to the next person who will represent us with passion and a deep love of our place,” Dr Stone said.
“Every day as the Member for Murray I have worked with so many great men, women and children, some descendants of families going back generations, some just arrived in our great country.”
During her time in Canberra – which has mainly be spent in Government, apart from six years in Opposition – Dr Stone has held two Parliamentary Secretary positions, and was the Minister for Workplace Participation from 2006 to 2007.
Dr Stone also held Shadow Ministerial portfolios under the leadership of former Oppositions Leaders Brendan Nelson and Malcolm Turnbull.
“It has been a unique privilege to have served as the Member for Murray. I cannot imagine having had a more rewarding and challenging, but fulfilling role,” she said.
I thank the wonderful people of Murray, my hard working and loyal staff and my Liberal teams of branch members who have been my political family since 1996.”
The federal election could occur as early as July 2 if the Senate fails to pass legislation approving the creation of the Australian Building and Construction Commission – which Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has already indicated would lead to the calling of a double dissolution election.
If the legislation passes, the election will occur around August or September.
