Despite announcing on election night in May 2019 that he wouldn't recontest the next federal election, long-standing Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch has announced that he has reconsidered his retirement plans.
He cited requests from tourism, businesses and community leaders across the region to change his mind, given what they saw as his experience, connections and credibility as a senior government member, to help the region recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"On election night...I felt the time was right to pursue other interests outside politics," he said on Wednesday.
"However, that decision was made well before the global COVID-19 pandemic was even thought of, or before it reached our shores.
"Our region was one of the first to be severely impacted by the pandemic and we will be one of the last to recover."
Related: Entsch leading in Leichhardt
Mr Entsch said the argument put to him was that his experience, plus that of his staff, would be needed to maximise opportunities for the region as it began the recovery phase.
"They are firmly of the view this is certainly not the time for change.
"Therefore, after careful consideration I have decided to recontest the next federal election, which is due to be held before May 2022."
He said it wasn't a decision he'd made lightly.
Mr Entsch been a member of the House of Representatives for Leichhardt from 1996 to 2007, when he first retired, and again since 2010.
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Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
