Australian senator Jonathon Duniam to retire from politics before next election

Liberal frontbencher Jonathon Duniam announced Sunday he will retire from politics before the next election, a move that deals a blow to opposition leader Angus Taylor as the Coalition struggles with persistently poor polling.

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This was an extremely difficult decision to make – albeit that it is one I have been considering for quite some time. I have spent the past 25 years in politics, the last 10 of those as a Senator for Tasmania – and I have given everything to these responsibilities, often at the expense of family. Twenty-five years is a long time in any vocation and, when you take your role seriously, it always comes first. It is time I reversed my priorities and I can’t do that if I am to stay in politics.

Duniam, the shadow home affairs minister, stated his decision was extremely difficult but necessary to prioritize his family after 25 years in public service. "Twenty-five years is a long time in any vocation and, when you take your role seriously, it always comes first," he said in a statement. "It is time I reversed my priorities and I can’t do that if I am to stay in politics."

He acknowledged his departure comes at a challenging time for the Federal Coalition but expressed confidence in Angus Taylor and Matt Canavan to lead the parties back to success. "No two people in the Coalition are more equipped to lead us (and Australia) back to success than Angus Taylor and Matt Canavan; they are both outstanding leaders and have a love for our country that is unrivalled," Duniam stated.

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No two people in the Coalition are more equipped to lead us (and Australia) back to success than Angus Taylor and Matt Canavan; they are both outstanding leaders and have a love for our country that is unrivalled.

Separately, the Senate is set to deliver its report on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) on Tuesday. Minister Butler indicated that while the government is open to considering ideas from the crossbench, the core direction of reforms to secure the NDIS for the future remains firm. He noted that the proposed changes largely reflect reviews and insights gathered over the past three years.

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Look, the direction of travel I think is an important one for us to follow through. This largely reflects reviews and insights that we’ve gathered over the last three years since the independent review was done of the NDIS in 2023 and endorsed by all governments at national Cabinet later that year. I’m utterly convinced this is the right plan for the NDIS… I’m not saying there won’t be any change. We heard ideas from the crossbench in the debate in the House of Representatives. I’ve very much heard that people want greater reassurance about what won’t change because of the reforms we’re putting in place. I’m not saying we’re not looking at things constructively. I’m looking forward to the report being delivered as I’ve said while the hearings have been under way. But the direction of travel, the need to make big changes that secure this incredibly important social program for the future I’m convinced is the right direction of travel.