After days of speculation, Member for Eden Monaro Mike Kelly has confirmed his retirement from federal politics, effective immediately, triggering a by-election in the NSW seat.
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Dr Kelly has suffered kidney and arthritic conditions that have made it "impossible" to fulfil his duties, forcing the "gut wrenching" decision to retire.
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"It is with great sadness that I have to announce that I am resigning as the Member for Eden-Monaro effective from Thursday, April 30," he said in a statement.
"This has been an intensely difficult, gut wrenching decision. I contested the last Federal election in good faith with the intention of serving the full term of this Parliament and beyond.
"However, I've had serious renal health issues to work through over these last six months, related to my former Army service, which has required 10 medical procedures. These issues are ongoing and I have another procedure to come in the next few months.
"Added to this is the recent classification by the Department of Veterans Affairs that I am permanently impaired due to my deteriorating osteoarthritis condition.
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"This situation has made it impossible to fulfil the challenging duties that the community in Eden Monaro rightly expects of its member. At the same time, my wife is also having health issues and I need to provide more support to her than I have been able to.
"I regret that my resignation will result in a by-election that will be an inconvenience for the community. I hope, however, that this will also be an opportunity to bring to the forefront the extreme issues that are confronting us through the combination of the catastrophic bushfires and now the COVID-19 situation. In this way I hope Eden Monaro will get the extra attention it needs and deserves right now."
NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay said that Dr Kelly had been a tireless servant of the community.
"Mike stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Eden Monaro as the area was devastated by the terrible bushfires of 2019-2020 and continues to be a staunch advocate for his community as people struggle to rebuild their lives and livelihoods," she said.
"We in the Labor Party can never thank him enough for the crucial role he played in helping Labor form Government in 2007 and 2010. Mike is a powerful advocate for the Labor cause because he is respected so much by the people of Eden Monaro."
The electorate office staff will remain in place to support all those who need help through to the declaration of the by-election poll.
