Premium Content:

Shock announcement: Kelly O'Dwyer to retire at election

The Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer, has announced she’s calling time on her political career and will not contest the next federal election.

- Advertisement -

Her departure potentially leaves the Morrison government with one less woman in its ranks, while facing ongoing criticism for having few women on the front bench.

O’Dwyer said she had made the decision to leave politics because her two young children have reached school age and she wanted to spend more time with her family. O’Dwyer said she was hoping to have a third child.

With Prime Minister Scott Morrison standing at her side, O’Dwyer said she was confident the Liberal party would win the next election due later this year.

“I am absolutely confident he will lead or government to victory,” O’Dwyer said of Morrison who she described asa a great friend.  “I need to be honest to the fact that I can’t commit to another three years and continue deliver the quality of services that country, my community and my party expect.”

The politician has represented the inner-city Melbourne seat of Higgins since 2009, and has been a cabinet member since 2015. She is currently the Minister for Women, Jobs and Industrial Relations.

O’Dwyer made news headlines in recent months when it was reported that she had told her colleagues they were seen by many in the electorate as ‘homophobic, anti-women, climate change deniers’.

OIP Staff

 

Latest

UK Reform leader Nigel Farage says gay marriage is “wrong”

Farage says the issue is now settled, but restated he's never been a supporter of same-sex couples being allowed to marry.

Barn Dance is heading to a Gold Rush

Tickets to Perth's big night of boot scooting and bandanas are now on sale.

Now You Know: Five quick news stories

A gay classic turned into a ballet, a country music star, arrests in China, a new leader for Mardi Gras, and coming out in the AFL.

Actor Julian McMahon dies aged 56 after private cancer battle

The actor first found success on 'Home and Away' before hitting the international stage.

Newsletter

Don't miss

UK Reform leader Nigel Farage says gay marriage is “wrong”

Farage says the issue is now settled, but restated he's never been a supporter of same-sex couples being allowed to marry.

Barn Dance is heading to a Gold Rush

Tickets to Perth's big night of boot scooting and bandanas are now on sale.

Now You Know: Five quick news stories

A gay classic turned into a ballet, a country music star, arrests in China, a new leader for Mardi Gras, and coming out in the AFL.

Actor Julian McMahon dies aged 56 after private cancer battle

The actor first found success on 'Home and Away' before hitting the international stage.

On This Gay Day | Thousands turned out to support marriage equality

Despite pouring rain thousands showed their support for changing the laws.

UK Reform leader Nigel Farage says gay marriage is “wrong”

Farage says the issue is now settled, but restated he's never been a supporter of same-sex couples being allowed to marry.

Barn Dance is heading to a Gold Rush

Tickets to Perth's big night of boot scooting and bandanas are now on sale.

Now You Know: Five quick news stories

A gay classic turned into a ballet, a country music star, arrests in China, a new leader for Mardi Gras, and coming out in the AFL.