SA Liberal Senator Simon Birmingham to quit federal politics

Senior federal Liberal politician Simon Birmingham will quit politics, delivering a pointed message in his valedictory speech.

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South Australia’s most senior Liberal, Senator Simon Birmingham, will quit politics.

The former finance and trade minister, now the Opposition Senate Leader, will retire at the next federal election and work in the finance sector.

Senator Simon Birmingham will leave parliament after the next election. Picture: NewsWire/Martin Ollman

Senator Simon Birmingham is announcing he will quit politics at the next federal election. @Birmo#auspol#7NEWShttps://t.co/rFcGa0Xxol

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) November 28, 2024

His departure opens the door for factional rival and conservative state Liberal president Leah Blyth, who was consigned to fourth spot on the Senate ticket at a preselection ballot in March.

Senator Birmingham entered parliament in 2007 and was a cabinet minister in the Turnbull and Morrison governments from 2015 to 2022.

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton confirmed the announcement on Thursday afternoon, and thanked Senator Birmingham for his dedication to the party.

“Can I say thank you very much to Simon Birmingham, who has just announced his retirement as our leader of the opposition in the Senate,” Mr Dutton said.

“Again, Birmo has a young family, spending more time with them.

“He’s given an enormous amount to our country.”

Senator Birmingham entered parliament in 2007. Picture: NewsWire/Martin Ollman

Senator Birmingham, a moderate faction leader, was re-elected for a six-year term in 2022 and, therefore, was not due to face voters at the federal election early next year.

Conservatives have seized control of the state Liberal Party machine, so Ms Blyth looms as a replacement to fill his vacancy.

Moderates suggested conservative Nicolle Flint could fill the spot if she failed to recapture the southwestern Adelaide seat of Boothby.

In an apparent parting shot at conservative factional rivals, Senator Birmingham warned in his valedictory speech of ideological extremes threatening social cohesion and the economy.

“The global rise of populism and divisive tribalism peddled by ideological extremes troubles me,” he said.

“It risks the social cohesion of countries like ours and jeopardises the economic wellbeing of countries like ours.

“I am confident that Australia is a country whose values sit towards the centre and that the parties of government forget that at their peril.”

He declared confidence that this was understood by Mr Dutton, who he labelled “grounded, thoroughly decent” and in touch with hardworking Australians.

Senator Birmingham also paid tribute to his rival and fellow South Australian, Foreign Affairs

Minister Penny Wong, who he said was “a formidable opponent, a warrior for your cause, with an intellect that justifies your success”.

But the former trade minister and current Opposition foreign affairs spokesman attacked Chinese “wolf warrior diplomacy” and trade sanctions deployed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“China is a great power. But this was an abuse of power, as we sadly see the Chinese government deploy too often in their military actions, and other conduct that is increasing risk and instability in our world,” he said.

“We all wish to preserve peace and stability. That requires genuine deterrence and effective diplomacy.”