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.

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