Throsby MP Jennie George announced in Canberra today her intention to retire at the next election.This is a copy of her speech, delivered in the Main Committee Room at 9.33am.
Throsby MP Jennie George to retire"I take the opportunity available this morning to advise my Parliamentary colleagues of my intention to retire at the next Federal Election.It has indeed been a great privilege to represent the people of the Throsby electorate since my first election in 2001.It's a wonderful community to represent in the national Parliament.I and my electorate staff have worked diligently over the years to represent their many and diverse interests and needs and to deal with their concerns as effectively as possible. We don't always win each case we pursue but we always, always try our best.We've campaigned over the years over many issues of importance such as - doctor shortages, dental care, youth unemployment, apprenticeships and funding for education and training to name a few.And of course I am so pleased that since the election of the Rudd Labor Government we have seen a remarkable investment of funds and resources to address the neglect of the past.The benefits of these investments, in the hundreds of millions in dollars, will be with us for many decades ahead.At the last Federal election, Labor recorded a 65 per cent primary vote in Throsby- the highest in NSW. I'm sure that all who placed their faith in the election of a Federal Labor Government can see the tangible benefits that have resulted in such a short space of time.Our successes are the result of collective efforts. In that regard I want to place on the record my sincere thanks to my electorate staff- Idalina, Michel, Sarah and Danielle and to their backup relief staff Annie, Ben and Brian.Thanks to my loyal supporters in the Branches and to all who have worked on the election campaigns and on polling booths over the years.I have been sustained by the comradeship of my local union colleagues, in particular Andy Gillespie, Garry Keane and Arthur Rorris.I will be sad to move on, but the time is right. My first appointment as a teacher was back in 1969. My 40 years in the workforce means that I can retire well satisfied that I have made a contribution to public life in a variety of positions.There's still some unfinished business between now and the next election which will keep me fully occupied- like the establishment of the promised Medicare/Centrelink Office in Warrawong, the finalisation of the CPRS, and advocacy of the co-generation plant at the Steelworks, to name a few.I thank the community for the privilege it has afforded me in representing them in the Federal Parliament."
