Andrew Constance to retire once the bushfire recovery complete
Andrew Constance has confirmed his intention to resign from politics once his community has recovered from the impact of the bushfires.
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has confirmed his intention to resign from politics once his community has recovered from the impact wrought during the bushfire season.
Mr Constance made the remarks during an interview with Sydney radio station 2GB on Tuesday, prompting speculation he would be making an imminent exit from public life.
His office later clarified that the recovery effort would take years, and Mr Constance would remain in parliament for some time. “There’s no timeline for his resignation from politics,” a spokeswoman said, adding that he had no intention of stepping down from ministerial duties.
Mr Constance’s electorate of Bega was hit hard by the bushfire catastrophe, with about 900 homes razed during the inferno. Nearly 2500 homes were destroyed across the state, according to official figures.
“I’ve said before, I’m going to do the recovery and then resign, because this changes you,” Mr Constance told broadcaster Alan Jones. “It makes you realise politicians are spending too much energy on internal machinations and forget why they’re elected.”
Mr Constance took leave from his role as minister in January to focus on community recovery efforts.
Two days later he gave a TV interview saying he needed counselling to process the trauma and impact of the fires on him and his family.
War will end when Israel’s foes stop attacking it
Hamas began hostilities on October 7 when it invaded southern Israel and began slaughtering and kidnapping Israelis. Only an evil or foolish leader would start a war. But nations are entitled to defend themselves against attack.
Australia is not the same country — but too many are in denial
Since the October 7 attacks, Australian values have been traduced. What is happening affects the entire country and the collective impact is profound.