Liberal Member for Manly, James Griffin, announced his retirement this afternoon.
“I was elected at 32, and I’m now 42,” he told Manly Observer.
“I enjoy building things and creating things,” he said, referencing his frustration with being in opposition rather than in power.
“I feel I’ve done that to the best of my ability, but it is now time to go.”
After a decade in Parliament, he is retiring from state politics ahead of next year’s NSW election.
“Politics rarely affords you the chance to leave on your own terms,” he said in a statement.
“I have given this job everything I have, and it is time for the next chapter.
“Serving as a Cabinet Minister in the NSW Coalition Government was a highlight of my career, and I am grateful to have worked under two inspiring Premiers.”
In his announcement, he backed Kellie Sloane for NSW Liberals leader and said she would make an outstanding NSW Premier.
“I entered Parliament believing that good government should reward initiative, be compassionate, provide a safety net for the vulnerable, and that evidence must prevail over ideology,” Griffin continued.
“I leave with those convictions only strengthened. As populism gains ground on the left and right, we cannot allow the politics of grievance to diminish the harder, more honest work of governing well.
“I leave with those convictions only strengthened. As populism gains ground on the left and right, we cannot allow the politics of grievance to diminish the harder, more honest work of governing well.”
“The ‘sensible centre’ built New South Wales and our nation, and it is worth defending.”
Over nearly a decade, Griffin said he was particularly proud of the funding and construction of Australia’s first Adolescent and Young Adult Palliative Care Hospice in Manly, co-authoring the state’s first-ever Veterans Strategy, and work as Environment and Heritage Minister, notably the largest acquisition of private land for a new national park in NSW history.
“Next year, the seat of Manly marks its centenary, and I am confident my successor will carry it into its second century in good hands,” he added.
He thanked the Manly Liberal Party for backing him through three “hard-fought consecutive election victories”.
“Our Manly brand of optimistic Liberalism, underpinned by integrity, passion and results shows that voters seek and endorse those qualities when given the chance,” he said.
“To my loyal Ministerial and Electorate Office staff, my friends and my family. You gave me your time, your patience, and your unconditional support so that I could deliver for this community and state without pause for a decade. I could not have done a single day of this without you.
“And finally, to my wonderful community, we have so much to be proud of. Representing you has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life.”
As for what comes next, Griffin said he has no plans for the next chapter.
