Liberal Minister Nic Street steps down from his ministries

Nic Street has resigned from cabinet because of mental health issues, saying it’s ‘probably the most selfish decision I’ve made in eight years in politics’. What his resignation means for govt.

Nic Street resigns from cabinet on Friday. Picture: David Killick

Premier Jeremy Rockliff will unveil his new cabinet on Sunday after Liberal minister Nic Street became the second government minister to quit in just over a week — citing his mental health as the reason for his decision.

Mr Street announced his departure flanked by Mr Rockliff at a press conference in Hobart on Friday morning. He will remain in parliament as the member for Franklin.

His resignation follows that of former Deputy Premier and Treasurer Michael Ferguson, who quit cabinet last Friday ahead of a potential parliamentary no-confidence motion over his handling of the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff with Minister Nic Street. Minister Nic Street announcing he is quitting cabinet. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“This is a decision that has been coming for a while,” Mr Street told reporters.

“Most of you would understand that I took some time off after the election earlier this year due to mental health issues, which I’ve been quite open about over my time in parliament.

“I spoke to the Premier about a month ago about my future in the cabinet and the plan at that time was to work through the end of the parliamentary year and then reassess where I was at.

Minister Nic Street announcing he is quitting cabinet. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Obviously, the events of this week mean that there’s going to be a reshuffle and so on Monday night, the premier and I had a discussion and we came to the conclusion that the best thing to do was for me to go now as well to allow a seamless transition for the two new ministers to come into cabinet.”

Mr Street has been in cabinet since 2022, most recently as Minister for Finance, Minister for Sport and Events and Minister for Local Government.

“The job of being a government minister is all-encompassing. It is a seven-day-a-week job,” he said.

“Everybody’s circumstances are different. The effect that it’s had on me is different to the effect that it will have on other people, so I don’t attribute it to the job itself.

“I’m really comfortable with the decision that I’ve made.

“I did say to somebody last night, this is probably the most selfish decision I’ve made in eight years in politics but I hope people understand why I’ve made the decision that I’ve made.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Minister Nic Street announcing he is quitting cabinet. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Rockliff thanked Mr Street for his contribution to parliament and to party.

“Today is a sad day for me, for Nic. Nic has made the right call for Nic, and I respect that more than anyone else,” he said.

“I’ve got great admiration for not only Nic’s contribution in parliament to date and as a cabinet minister but also the strides that he has made in reducing the stigma associated with mental health and allowing many, many Tasmanians to realise that it’s okay to talk about your own mental health and, most importantly, have the courage to express your feelings.”

Mr Street thanked to the Premier for his friendship and support and paid tribute to his parliamentary colleagues and staff for their support while urging others who were experiencing mental health problems not to bottle them up.

“Seek help. Speak. Speak to people who know what they’re talking about, and share what you’re going through,” he said.

“The worst thing that you can do is internalise it and try and deal with it by yourself.

“Find a medical professional, confide in family and friends as to what you’re going through.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Minister Nic Street announcing he is quitting cabinet. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Labor leader Dean Winter said Mr Street is one of the most liked and respected members of Tasmania’s parliament and wished him well.

“Nic’s decision to be open about his mental health has been selfless. In doing so, he has continued to destigmatise mental health issues and sends a message to everyone that it’s OK to put your hand up and say you are not OK.

And independent David O’Byrne said Mr Street had always shown compassion, care, and decency towards others.

“Sadly, politics can be seen by some as a blood sport and that does take a toll on people’s mental health.”

EARLIER: Liberal Minister Nic Street has announced is resigning from cabinet due to mental health issues.

He revealed he spoke to the Premier a month ago, telling media on Friday, “it is a decision that has been coming for a while, it is a decision I am comfortable with.”

“I am going to stay in parliament, looking forward to representing the people of Franklin for the next three years,” he said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff with Minister Nic Street. Minister Nic Street announcing he is quitting cabinet. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Franklin member held government’s sports and events, local government and finance portfolios.

In May, Nic Street took a brief hiatus from politics after revealing his struggles with his mental health.

It isn’t the first blow to the Rockliff’s government this week. The party lost a minister to the backbench after Michael Ferguson stepped down following the Spirit of Tasmania fiasco.

MORE TO COME