Julie Bishop retires from politics
In a bombshell announcement, Julie Bishop has declared she will quit politics and not contest the next election after she had “reconsidered” her decision to run.
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In a bombshell announcement, Julie Bishop has declared she will quit politics and not contest the next election.
The former foreign affairs minister told parliament today she had “reconsidered” her decision to run but believed the Coalition would win the election.
Ms Bishop’s announcement comes a day after Liberal frontbencher Kelly O’Dwyer gave her valedictory speech in parliament.
She is the fourth high profile resignation after three senior government ministers announced they were quitting earlier this year.
Ms Bishop made her announcement on the last sitting day before the budget in April.
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The Liberals will now need to scramble to preselect a candidate for Curtin before the election in May.
It’s expected Mr Morrison will call the election very shortly after the budget on April 2.
“I have been contacted by a number of talented, indeed extraordinary, people, including women, who have indicated to me should I not recontest the seat of Curtin, they would seek preselection from the Curtin division of the Liberal Party for that seat,” Ms Bishop said.
“Accordingly, I will not recontest the seat of Curtin at the next election. And I will work hard in the meantime to assist a new Liberal candidates to win the seat.
“It is time for a new member to take my place.”
Bishop reflected on her political career.
“As I said in this place, in my first speech in November, 1998, I was brought up to believe that entering public office should be one of the highest callings and that being able to direct your energies and abilities to the betterment of your state or your country was one of the greatest contributions you could make. And that I had always had an intense conviction that an individual can make a difference to the life of the times. That remains my view,” she said.
“I also set out a goal in that speech, to represent the people of Curtin with all the vigour and courage and ability that I had to offer, with honesty, decency, and above all, to put their interests above my own. Mr Speaker, I will leave this place positive about the future, proud of the service that I have been able to give to my electric of Curtin, my beloved Liberal Party, the state of Western Australia, and my country.”
Ms Bishop received thunderous applause from her colleagues after making her announcement shortly after Question Time.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared her “a Liberal through and through” and an “incredible classy individual” who had big shoes to fill, while noting her “tremendous service” to Australia and the party.
“And we know that Julie has the best shoes in parliament,” he quipped.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten praised Ms Bishop in parliament after her announcement, particularly noting her handling of the MH17 tragedy and her record as a “trailblazer” for women in politics.
“I want to talk about the fact she was a trailblazer, the first female Foreign Minister, that is a big achievement,” he said.
“There can never be another first and no matter what she does in the future.
“I am sure she will not be short of offers.”
Mr Shorten noted her “calm and composure and kindness” for the families impacted by the MH17 tragedy.
“I remember the service in Melbourne at Saint Patrick’s and she was, she really was a leader. But I also saw her steely determination in international forums to pursue justice and she was very strong,” he added.
“On that regard, if any of us were ever to be privileged to be in the position she was in dealing with the Russians and other people, I hope that any of us would show the same strength she showed and she did and that is to her credit.”
“She did Australia proud that day and in those weeks.”
In her speech, Ms Bishop said she believed the Coalition would win the election, noting the Coalition would return the budget to surplus and had lowered taxes while creating jobs.
“I have closely observed Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Liberal National team in the parliament, in Question Time, it in the party room, in press conferences, and elsewhere and it is evident that the policy platform that we will take to the next election is crystallising based on the very firm foundations of our unrelenting focus on prudent management of our national finances, so that we can afford the services that Australians need,” she said.
She slammed Labor’s record on border protection and the economy.
“During the last two weeks it has become evidence that Labor has learned nothing from its past failings, and is doomed to repeat these failings should it be re-elected. It is thus my view that the Liberal National coalition will win the next election,” she added.
The former minister said she would leave the seat of Curtin in “very good shape, indeed, a winning position for the Liberal Party”.
She also thanked her family and partner David Panton, adding “to my many close and trusted friends, I look forward to seeing a more of you”.
Ms Bishop resigned as Foreign Affairs minister in August during the leadership spill.
She made a bid to be Liberal leader when Malcolm Turnbull stepped down but secured just 11 votes from her colleagues in the leadership ballot.
She was knocked out in the first vote, and Scott Morrison won the second ballot over Peter Dutton.
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said Ms Bishop was the “finest foreign minister” in Australia’s history while thanking her for her friendship over many years.
Thank you @JulieBishopMP for your service to our nation and our Party and, above all, your friendship over so many years. You have been our finest Foreign Minister - eloquent, elegant and always courageous advancing our national interest in these challenging times.
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) February 21, 2019
Ms Bishop’s successor as foreign minister, Marise Payne, choked back tears as she said Australia should be proud of its highstatus in the international community.
“It is in no small measure attributable to her leadership, her drive, and her commitmentas Australia’s foreign minister for five years that that is the case,” Senator Payne told a Senate estimates hearing.
“Many have contributed in the past, but in recent times, her personal leadership has made an enormous contribution to thatstanding.”
There has been speculation Ms Bishop could be offered a diplomatic posting after her time as foreign affairs minister.
Her speech comes as Australia’s ambassador to the US Joe Hockey is under fire over his links to travel company Helloworld.
Ms Bishop was first elected Member of parliament (MP) for Curtin in 1998.
Under then prime minister John Howard, Ms Bishop was made Minister of Ageing.
She later became the Minister for Education, Science and Training, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues.
While the Libs were in Opposition, she was elected deputy leader of the party under Brendan Nelson.
In 2010, she cemented her reputation as having a “killer death stare” during a heated Q&A segment on border protection.
Before she made the career change, the South Australian native was a successful lawyer, obtaining her degree at the University of Adelaide.
Originally published as Julie Bishop retires from politics
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