Minister for Police and Emergency Services Troy Grant announced he will not contest the state election
OUTGOING Police Minister Troy Grant says the political landscape is a “nastier place” than it was back in 2010 and he’s sick of the impact it’s having on his family life.
NSW
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OUTGOING Police Minister Troy Grant says the political landscape is a “nastier place” than it was back in 2010 and he’s sick of the impact it’s having on his family life.
In an emotional press conference following his announcement that he would quit politics after the 2019 state election, Mr Grant used a sporting analogy saying: “I’d basically woken up and don’t want to go to training anymore”.
“I’m not someone who can just sit and occupy a position, get voted in and not be honest with the electors that I could serve four more years,” he said.
“As a regional MP they’ve (my family) made enormous sacrifices to allow me to serve this state. I’m so grateful for that opportunity but it’s sacrifice to my family I’m no longer willing to make.
Mr Grant, who is the seventh Nationals MP elected in 2015 to stand down from state politics this term, said the political landscape had “changed dramatically” since 2010.
“Internationally, locally — it’s a nastier place than it was back then. I don’t think the level of respect across the community just to our fellow man is what it was and that’s sad,” he said.
Asked about the lowlight of his career, Mr Grant said without hesitation: “The impact the nastiness has had on my kids”.
“If people disagree with you on policy or decision making of government, we’re big enough and ugly enough to take it but when they target your kids, that’s stepping over a line,” he said.
The former country policeman was elected unopposed as leader of the NSW Nationals in 2014 but rolled two years later by now deputy premier John Barilaro. It followed intense criticism from within the party over his decision to back the greyhound racing ban with former premier Mike Baird.
Mr Grant denied the incident played into his decision to retire but acknowledged it was a “tough period in the life of my entire family”.
“Obviously we tried to do the right thing, we got it wrong politically,” he said.
“I paid an enormous price, my family paid a greater price on that incident but we’ve been very blessed too … I’m the sort of guy that looks at the positives and don’t focus on the negatives.
“The honest reason is the ones I’ve given — this is a 30 year decision. I’ve served the community for 30 years and throughout that entire 30 years I’ve always had a public profile in policing and obviously in politics.”
Mr Grant said he would not put forward a preferred candidate but said he had “absolute confidence” in Premier Gladys Berejiklian returning the government next year.
“There’s an old saying in politics — the ‘kiss of death’,” he said.
“I won’t be nominating anyone. Whoever is selected by the very democratic National Party will have my support.”
He said he would continue to “work my guts out” up until the point of his retirement in March but was unsure of where he’d work after.
“I’ve always done my best — been known as being fairly frank and forthright which hasn’t always helped me but just really grateful for the opportunity and now looking forward to the future, whatever that may bring.”
r Grant announced his decision not to contest the seat of Dubbo earlier this morning, saying it’s “not the right decision for my family or me”.
Mr Grant, who first entered NSW Parliament in 2011, said that after careful consideration he could not commit to working in state politics “until at least 2023”.
“Running for Parliament in 2019 is not the right decision for my family or me,” he said in a statement.
“To serve your community as a regional local member you need to make enormous sacrifices and put your heart and soul into the role, and I can no longer give this role my all after the next election.
“I have long described myself as a son of regional NSW having called many towns home, and I have worked hard to not only ensure the Dubbo electorate gets its fair share, but that all of country NSW prospers.”
Mr Grant said he had worn many hats during his time in Parliament including Minister for Tourism & Major Events, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Racing, Minister for Justice & Police, Deputy Premier and currently Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services.
“I am very proud of my contribution to each and every one of these responsibilities,” he said.
“As a former police officer of 22 years who also has experience in emergency management, it has been an incredible honour to represent within Cabinet the men and women who serve on the frontline.
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“As the son of a country copper, I will always be a member of the NSW Police Force family so I am especially humbled to have contributed to the betterment of officer welfare and safety.
“I am proud to have created much needed organisational change through policies, stronger legislation and record funding especially in new technologies, equipment and infrastructure.
“Above all, I thank my wife Toni and our children Taylor and Hamish for their love. It is their support and sacrifice that has allowed me to proudly serve NSW.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian applauded Mr Grant for making an “outstanding contribution” during his time in Parliament, “both as the Member for Dubbo and in the Cabinet”.
“I’m delighted Troy has agreed to continue to serve as Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services until the election,” she said.
“He continues to bring vast experience and strong leadership to the NSW Police Force and to all our emergency services agencies.”
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Deputy Premier John Barilaro said Mr Grant was a “highly effective and respected Minister” and would be missed by parliamentary colleagues.
“Over the course of his political career Troy has given a great deal to the people of Dubbo and the people of this State,” Mr Barilaro said.
“As a former highly-decorated police officer himself, Troy served in his ministerial roles with the sort of experience and insight the people of NSW expect and deserve.
“Troy is someone who speaks frankly and works diligently, which is why he’s earned the respect of so many, including his colleagues, members of the NSW Police, his staff and his electors.
“Working in politics is always a privilege but it also comes with great sacrifice, and I commend Troy for his incredible hard work and service over many years.”