By Jed Lanyon and Mikayla van Loon
Federal MP Tony Smith will not be contesting his long held seat of Casey after announcing he will be stepping away from politics at the end of his current term.
Mr Smith will step away after serving for 20 years, marking the end of an era as the longest serving member for Casey having been re-elected on six occasions.
“After a great deal of thought and consideration, I have decided that this term as a member of the House of Representatives will be my last,” Mr Smith said in a statement.
“I love our parliament and serving the Australian people. I am honoured that the Liberal Party and the electors of Casey voted to give me this privilege for two decades,” he said.
“However, I believe now is a good time to give the Liberal Party and the people of Casey the opportunity for renewal.
“I also believe the time is now right for me to pursue other endeavours following the conclusion of this forty-sixth Parliament.”
Mr Smith said by announcing his decision now, it gives the Liberal party time to choose a candidate to run in the next election.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence posted on social media to thank Mr Smith for his dedication to the local community and for being a mentor over the years.
“Tony’s outstanding contributions to our community and his ability to deliver local projects and services, and support local organisations and businesses, will be remembered well.”
“I’ve known Tony since I was 18 years old, and he’s been a true friend and mentor – well before I entered politics, and now as State MP.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison also took to social media to send his best wishes to a “great mate”.
“Tony has served as the Member for Casey for more than twenty years, where he performed a wide variety of roles in both Government and Opposition,” Mr Morrison said in a statement.
“However, it has been in his role as Speaker that Tony has certainly made his mark. Tony has been an outstanding Speaker, in the true Westminster tradition.
“Tony Smith’s intellect, temperament, dry wit, staying above the fray and respect for the Parliament as an institution, has earned him respect, far and wide.
“Many Speakers can get caught in the crossfire of parliamentary debate. Instead, his actions have elevated debate and demonstrated the great strength of parliamentary democracy.
“On the last two occasions Tony Smith was elected Speaker, he enjoyed the universal support of the Parliament, a remarkable achievement.”
Mr Smith gained election as Speaker of the House in 2015 following the resignation of Bronwyn Bishop. Since overtaking the role, he was held in high regard from both sides of politics for his fairness and was returned to the role unopposed on three occasions, becoming the first to do so since the inaugural Speaker, Frederick Holder.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Mr Smith would be greatly missed.
“Authoritative and respected, he is a commanding presence in our Parliament and universally regarded as the most effective Speaker in decades.
“His sharp wit has often brought a lighter moment to what is usually a trying and tense environment,” he said.
Mr Smith recently delivered on several election promises with the completion of the Seville War Memorial and the Wandin Sports Pavilion upgrade, as well as delivering $1 million for much needed upgrades at Esther Park in Mooroolbark.
His legacy across the Division of Casey will be felt long after his retirement from politics as a ten year, $150 million infrastructure project to seal hundreds of kilometres of unsealed dirt roads will transform local roads, halving the cost placed on residents.
