Today, I informed the Premier of my decision to resign from Cabinet and the Parliament of Tasmania.
This has been a challenging decision, but it is the right one for my family, who have provided me with incredible love and support since I was first elected in March 2010.
Being a Minister and a Member of Parliament is an incredible honour and privilege, however, there is no denying that the time required impacts your family.
As a daughter, a mother, a grandmother, a wife, I need to now more than ever, spend more time with my family and provide extra support.
I step down knowing that my portfolios and the electorate of Franklin will continue to be well served by a strong, united Liberal Government that I have been immensely proud to be part of.
I thank Premier Jeremy Rockliff for his leadership, compassion and support. I also thank my former Premiers for the opportunity to serve in their respective Cabinets for nearly six and a half years.
As a Government, we have created more opportunities for Tasmanians, strengthened the economy and invested more than any previous Government into essential services, and I have no doubt the Rockliff Liberal Government will continue to make decisions that make a positive difference.
A good example of this is restoring the House to 35 seats - a position I have strongly advocated for.
I sincerely thank my Cabinet, Parliamentary colleagues and Liberal Party Members for their friendship, support, and encouragement.
I also wish to recognise and gratefully thank my dedicated and committed ministerial and electorate office staff, as well as all the staff and volunteers of the Departments of Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, and Communities Tasmania. You all do outstanding work.
As a victim-survivor of family and sexual violence, responding to and the prevention of family and sexual violence was one of the strongest motivations for me becoming an MP.
I will continue to be a strong advocate and remain very committed to help drive further actions and change in attitudes and behaviours to eliminate family and sexual violence in Tasmania.
I wish the new Liberal Member for Franklin well, as I know they will work hard to actively contribute to their local community and to the Rockliff Liberal team.
I’d also like to congratulate Felix Ellis on his elevation to the Ministry. He has been a hard-working local member and a strong advocate for Tasmania, and I’m sure this will continue with his new responsibilities.