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Bruce Billson has announced he will not contest the next election, claiming it is no longer possible for him to “fully do what I love”.
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Billson calls time on political career
25 November 2015
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Mr Billson said it is time to "hang up the campaign R.M. Williams" and not contest the Victorian seat of Dunkley for an eighth successive term.
“For the last 12 years of my 20 years as a Parliamentarian, I have been a Coalition front-bencher and for the last six years, a cabinet/shadow cabinet member, fearlessly advocating the case for small business, family enterprise, start-up and self-employed community,” Mr Billson said.
Most recently a serving member of cabinet as Minister for Small Business, Mr Billson rejected a junior role offered by newly-appointed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as part of a cabinet reshuffle. He now sits on the back bench.
“It has become clear to us that while I love what I do, it is not possible for me to fully do what I love," he said.
Mr Billson made reference to the key policy arguments and implemented reforms that he has played a role in across a range of portfolios: veterans' affairs, defence, trade, immigration and foreign affairs.
“To be able to work ‘selflessly’ for your community and nation is what is required and rightfully expected,” he added.
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Mr Billson stressed the impact that his tenure in Parliament has had on his family, with his work often leaving him “physically and mentally away an awful lot and for key events”.
“While the impact on our family has been profound, we have been nourished and comforted by knowing it was all in pursuit of meaningful goals and delivering better outcomes for our Dunkley community and our nation,” he said.
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