Stuart Robert retirement from politics sparks discussion about the Fadden MP’s past controversies

Former federal Minister Stuart Robert’s move to quit national politics in the next week has sparked many to recount his controversies. Find out more.

Former federal Minister Stuart Robert’s move to quit national politics in the next week has sparked many to recount his controversies.

The Fadden MP announced on Saturday morning he would be stepping down from federal politics in the coming weeks, s parking a by-election.

He announced the news in an exclusive interview with the Gold Coast Bulletin and then later by a statement, saying he wished to spend more time with his family.

Stuart Robert was under fire during Question Time in parliament last month. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Robert also said he had “too few regrets” to mention.

He later recounted that he regretted not campaigning harder for the LNP in the state seat of Gaven which is now held by Labor’s Meaghan Scanlon.

The comment caused Ms Scanlon to take to social media stating: “So let me get this right.

“Stuart Robert’s ‘SOLE REGRET’ is the LNP losing the seat of Gaven.

“Not robodebt or the NDIS, Rolex or internet scandals…?”

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon took to Twitter to express her thought on Stuart Robert’s retirement. Picture: Liam Kidston

Ms Scanlon later told the Bulletin that she acknowledged Mr Robert was leaving to spend time with his family and she wished them the best.

“Stuart’s time in parliament wasn’t without fault or controversy – this is the guy responsible for the robodebt scheme that harmed thousands of Australian families – and it’s not something people have not and will not forget,” she said.

“Gold Coasters and Australians deserve better.

“Regardless of who replaces Stuart Robert, the LNP have not learnt anything under Peter Dutton’s leadership voting against investment in social and affordable housing and power price relief and opposing action on climate change.”

Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate provided a short statement after Mr Robert’s announcement.

“I’ve worked closely with Stuart over the years and appreciated his advocacy for his constituency, the city and the nation,” Mr Tate said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

“Fifteen years is a significant contribution in public office, so I acknowledge Stuart’s work as the Federal Member for Fadden and wish him and his family well in his retirement.”

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, who previously worked in Mr Robert’s electorate office, took to Facebook, sharing a number of photos of the two together.

“Stuart Robert’s retirement after 16 years as our Federal MP is a great loss for the Gold Coast,” he said.

“Without his efforts our area wouldn’t have light rail and the Second M1 wouldn’t be finally underway.

Outgoing Fadden MP Stuart Robert with Bonney MP Sam O'Connor. Picture: Supplied

“Almost a decade ago I applied for a job in his Labrador office from seeing an ad on Seek.

“The opportunity he gave me is something I’ll forever be thankful for because working in a local MP’s office showed me why politics is such a worthwhile way to serve.

“It led to me getting involved in many community organisations and to join the LNP.

“Stu, thank you. On behalf of our community, I wish you and your family all the very best.”

Following the announcement, Mr Robert came under fire on social media with many users reliving his controversies, most notably how he presided over the robodebt debacle.

The news of Mr Robert’s retirement was welcomed by readers of the Bulletin with one taking to social media to say it was “fantastic news”.

Another reader Jane Stephenson wrote: “Will anyone actually notice him gone? It’s not like he did much.”

Another reader, using the handle Gman, was more sympathetic.

“The old “ spend time with my family” really does seem valid in this case,” they wrote.

“Farewell Stuart. Politics is like tiptoeing through a wheatfield in the Donbas (sic) at the moment, but you never triggered a mine. They just got Pauline.”

The LNP has already called for nominations for preselection in the upcoming by-election.

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