This is not a decision I have taken lightly and comes after a great deal of reflection and discussions with my family and colleagues.
It is a decision I have made because I believe it is in the best interests of the people of NSW whom I currently serve both as Treasurer and as a local member, for my young family, and ultimately for the continuation of strong government by the NSW Liberals & Nationals.
I have always worked hard to serve the people of NSW since I was first elected to Parliament in 2011 in the Castle Hill electorate.
Following a redistribution in 2014, I was challenged for the seat of Castle Hill by Ray Williams and sought nomination for the electorate of Hawkesbury.
When I first nominated for Hawkesbury, my wife Helen and I had three children, and I was still a backbencher able to commit 100 per cent of my working life to the electorate.
Since then, my wife and I have been blessed with two more children, and I have had the great honour of serving, first as a Minister and now as Treasurer of NSW.
This means I have three key commitments in my life: being a good husband and dad to five children, discharging my duties as Treasurer, and working hard to represent my electorate.
While I have always done my best to balance these commitments, looking to the future I have been concerned that I would be unable to give the people of Hawkesbury the level of representation they deserve and best discharge my service to all of NSW as Treasurer.
I want to thank the residents of Hawkesbury who have warmly welcomed me into the community, and I am proud of the many things we have achieved together.
I intend to continue serving in my role as deputy leader of the NSW Liberal Party and as Treasurer of the state. My resolve to help the Government continue to deliver a strong economy, jobs and opportunity for all people will not lessen.
When I first nominated for Hawkesbury, my wife Helen and I had three children, and I was still a backbencher able to commit 100 per cent of my working life to the electorate.
Since then, my wife and I have been blessed with two more children, and I have had the great honour of serving, first as a Minister and now as Treasurer of NSW.
This means I have three key commitments in my life: being a good husband and dad to five children, discharging my duties as Treasurer, and working hard to represent my electorate.
While I have always done my best to balance these commitments, looking to the future I have been concerned that I would be unable to give the people of Hawkesbury the level of representation they deserve and best discharge my service to all of NSW as Treasurer.
I want to thank the residents of Hawkesbury who have warmly welcomed me into the community, and I am proud of the many things we have achieved together.
I intend to continue serving in my role as deputy leader of the NSW Liberal Party and as Treasurer of the state. My resolve to help the Government continue to deliver a strong economy, jobs and opportunity for all people will not lessen.
Politics can be a tough job and that is no more evident than at times like today.
This is not a decision I have made without also considering the implications on the current member for Castle Hill, Ray Williams, whom I spoke with earlier today to inform him of my decision.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Ray’s service to the people of NSW and also to the Liberal Party. No matter the outcome he has my respect and gratitude for his dedication over many years.
This is not a decision I have made without also considering the implications on the current member for Castle Hill, Ray Williams, whom I spoke with earlier today to inform him of my decision.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Ray’s service to the people of NSW and also to the Liberal Party. No matter the outcome he has my respect and gratitude for his dedication over many years.
