NT’s longest-serving MP Warren Snowdon announces retirement
VETERAN Labor MP Warren Snowdon has announced his retirement from politics after more than 30 years
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VETERAN Labor MP Warren Snowdon has announced his retirement from politics after more than 30 years.
The Member for Lingiari revealed that he will not be contesting his seat at the next election while speaking in the lower house today.
One of Australia’s longest-serving MPs, the 70-year-old former Rudd minister was first elected in 1987 and served until 1996. He was elected again in 1998 and has served ever since.
“I’m about to roll the swag,” Mr Snowdon said.
“I’m a bit of a relic. I’m the only one left in this parliament, Senate or House of Reps, from the old Parliament House.
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“So I’ve taken the decision that I won’t be contesting at the next election.
“I was first elected 33 years ago. Now I’ve had 12 elections and 31 years now, in the parliament having lost an election in 1996 but being re-elected in 1998.
“It’s been an absolutely enormous privilege to serve the people of Northern Territory for that time, and I will continue to serve them until the next election.”
Mr Snowdon finished his farewell speech with a quote from Australian writer Xavier Herbert:
“Until we give back to the Blackman just a bit of the land that was his and give it back without provisos, without strings to snatch it back, without anything but complete generosity of spirit in concession for the evil we have done him – until we do that, we shall remain what we have always been so far, a people without integrity; not a nation but a community of thieves.”
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