Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey to retire from politics after state election

An emotional Jann Stuckey has announced she will retire from politics after the state election next year having served 16 years as the MP for Currumbin.

Jann Stuckey served as Minister for Tourism in the Newman government. Picture: Glenn Barnes.

CURRUMBIN MP Jann Stuckey has announced she will retire from politics after the state election next year.

Ms Stuckey, who served as Minister for Tourism in the Newman government, has been the MP for Currumbin since February 2004.

Ms Stuckey fought back tears as she made her announcement in state parliament this afternoon.

“After much soul searching and with a heavy heart I advise the house that I will not be standing for preselection for the seat of Currumbin at the next election,” she said.

“This has not been an easy decision to make, especially given my deep attachment for my beloved Currumbin, her people and her magnificent attributes.

“It’s been such an honour and privilege to have served as state representative since 2004.

“We’re over half way through this term of parliament. It’s only 16 months until the October 2020 election.

“My announcement opens the door for the LNP to preselect a quality candidate well in advance.”

The end of an era for a politician who loves the #GoldCoast Thanks for being a real fighter @JannStuckeyMP and thanks for your role in putting Tourism and Major Events together and being the mother of Destination Q. #qldpol #tourism #currumbin

— David Crisafulli (@DavidCrisafulli) June 14, 2019

LNP leader Deb Frecklington praised Ms Stuckey as “an exceptional minister”, while Broadwater MP David Crisafulli said her retirement would mark “the end of an era.”

Labor MP for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said she respected Ms Stuckey for her “courage” in voting for the decriminalisation of abortion.

“On behalf of the Liberal National Party, I would like to thank Jann Stuckey for her service to Currumbin and Queensland,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Jann has fought tirelessly for her Gold Coast community since her election in 2004 and she is very popular in her electorate.

@Jannstuckey and I haven’t always seen eye to eye but I have respect for her courage to join with me as the only other GC MP to vote for the decriminalisation of abortion. I hope the @LNPQLD preselect another woman given their current record of under representation. @GCBulletin

— Meaghan Scanlon (@meaghan_scanlon) June 14, 2019

“Jann was an exceptional Minister during the previous LNP Government, keeping the Commonwealth Games on time and on budget.

“A proud Gold Coaster, Jann has delivered many local projects including upgrades to the M1.

“She is a valued member of the LNP team and will continue to advocate for her community right up to the election in 2020.

Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington. Picture: Tara Croser.

“Jann is passionate about returning an LNP Government at the 2020 election and an incredible candidate for the Currumbin electorate will be announced in due course.

“I wish Jann all the best for the future.”