This is a statement from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd after Throsby MP Jennie George announced she would retire from politics at the next election:"Jennie George has made a profound contribution to the labour movement over many years, and particularly to the Australian Labor Party as the Member for Throsby since 1991.
As a teacher, as a trade unionist and as a parliamentarian, Jennie has been a generous spirit and a strong voice for working people.
As the Member for Throsby, Jennie has been a powerful advocate for her community in the Illawarra.
Tackling local youth unemployment through innovative local apprenticeship programs and her work as an advocate for her community during the global recession have been particularly impressive.
Jennie has made an important contribution to this Parliament, including most recently through her work on coastal erosion and climate change.
I thank her for her commitment, her dedication and her strength to her community, this Parliament and our party.
I look forward to continuing to work with her to the next election, and wish her the very best for her future beyond that."
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