Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell announces retirement

WOLLONDILLY state Liberal MP Jai Rowell has announced he will retire from politics.

Jai Rowell, who is growing a beard for mental health awareness at Warragamba.

WOLLONDILLY state Liberal MP Jai Rowell has announced he will retire from politics.

In a statement, Mr Rowell said he will not contest the next state election.

Mr Rowell was elected to the seat in 2011 and has previously held the ministerial mental health portfolio.

Read Mr Rowell’s full statement below:

In my inaugural speech I referenced Alan Jackson’s song “Small Town Southern Man” where he said:

“His greatest contribution is the ones you leave behind.”

He was speaking of family.

The best job I will ever have, is to be the Dad of Will and Menzies and the husband of Belinda. Everything I have done in my life, is to make this a better place for them.

My wife is expecting our third son, Chase Patrick George Rowell and the best job I will ever have will be added to with another son. She is due anytime now.

Mr Rowell has been Wollondilly MP since 2011.

I am blessed with a supportive wife and family. Both our sons have only ever known their Dad whilst in politics, and like my beautiful wife, has had to share their weekends, holidays, nights and days with the community which we all love. This job also means you are away from home for large parts of the year.

Belinda has had some complications with the pregnancy and is the most amazing woman ever; keeping our family running.

As our baby is due to arrive, given both my beloved parents are unwell, being one year out to the election and with nominations now open, it is with mixed emotions, I announce that I will not be contesting the 2019 election. It is time for me to support 100 per cent, those who have supported me. No longer will my family miss a husband, father and son.

This is a decision I have not come to lightly and have taken some time over the Parliamentary break to consider. It is important to stand with my wife and watch our children grow up into fine young men.

I’m lucky to have the loving support of my parents Ted and Yvonne, along with the support of my sister Ebony and my in-laws John and Annette. They have done everything they can to help us have a sense of normality to the extent you can in this job.

Mr Rowell and NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes announce funding for Picton High School last year.

It is important to me to help my parents as they have helped me. I cannot do these things effectively and contest the next election.

I love my family so much.

I want to thank the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, for encouraging me to recontest, but understanding my decision. I am proud of our Government’s achievements and wish her and the team all the best for the next election.

I want to thank the communities of Wollondilly and the Southern Highlands who have worked with me to make our region a great place. We have achieved a lot delivering billions of dollars in much needed infrastructure and services such as upgrading Bowral and Campbelltown hospitals, announcing a new public high school, creating jobs, helping our most vulnerable and protecting our environment to name a few. Their support has meant everything to me.

To the people of Wollondilly and Southern Highlands I say this:

I will continue to fight for what is important to you. There is still much fire in the belly.

I thank my colleagues, staff, party members and supporters. Too many to list now, but I look forward to mentioning you all in a valedictory speech later in the year.

In concluding, if my sons remember any advice I give them, it is this: Love God; always put your family first; support your community and remember Dad and Mum love you.

To my darling wife Belinda, I look forward to the next chapter of our lives leaving those footprints in the sand together.

The best gift I can give my wife and beautiful children is time.