State Labor MLC Sally Talbot has announced her resignation from the shadow cabinet. The Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Disability Services and Child Protection said she could play a greater role in building the party if she served from the back bench.

“Clearly people have made a judgement about the Labor Party. They have made a judgement that we do not reflect their values; that they do not value what Labor offers them; that they do not trust Labor to give them a better future,” said Talbot.

Talbot said as former State Party President she could make a greater contribution if she stepped down from her front bench responsibilities.

“For us to reconnect with the electorate we need to build our relationships with those who share our values. Those values have not changed: Labor stands for fairness, justice and equality. Our task has not changed: Labor stands up for working people and the disadvantaged.

“Working people and disadvantaged people suffer when Labor is not in government. Stepping down from the front bench will enable me to put all my energy into making our time in opposition as short as possible and helping to rebuild the community support and trust that will make our return to government a reality.”

Ms Talbot has been a member of the shadow cabinet since the Labor party went into opposition in 2008.

Earlier this year Talbot was a vocal ally of the same sex marriage movement when she highlighted comments Liberal MP Nick Goiran made in parliament. At the time Talbot said she was shocked by Goiran’s claim that same sex marriage would lead to incestuous relationships.

Graeme Watson