Topics: Thank you and farewell.
07:25AM AEDT
29 November 2024
Michael Rowland: Okay, now, the opposition Senate leader, Simon Birmingham, has announced he’ll retire from politics and not seek re-election next year after almost two decades in Parliament. Senator Birmingham serves as the Shadow Foreign Minister and also the Coalition’s leader in the Senate. He joins us now from Parliament House. Simon, Birmingham, good morning to you.
Simon Birmingham: Good morning, Michael. Good to be with you.
Michael Rowland: How are you feeling with you? A bit relieved the announcement’s out?
Simon Birmingham: Yeah. Look, I do feel a little lighter today than perhaps I did going through the motions yesterday and telling people. It’s not easy to walk away from the Australian parliament. It’s been a huge part of my life. I like to think I’ve left some positive achievements in school funding reform in trade deals and have been a senior member of governments through some hugely challenging times like Covid, or with some big decisions like the AUKUS submarine deal. And so, there’s a lot that I’ve seen, a lot that I hope I’ve contributed to, but it’s time to do new things in life.
Michael Rowland: At the same time as you would know, and our viewers would know as well. The polls have tightened. The next election is shaping up as one that could go either way. Can your announcement will be seen as a concession, though, from you that you don’t think Peter Dutton will win next year?
Simon Birmingham: No, far from it. It actually making this decision got harder and harder as the time got closer and closer, because I may well be walking away from the opportunity to be Australia’s next foreign minister. Ultimately, I’ve decided there’s something different that I should do with my life at this stage. After nearly 18 years in the Senate, just as Bill Shorten is walking away at this election to do something different with his life, and I think Peter Dutton is going to give Australians a very strong choice, very different policy choices in terms of the pathway to net zero, for example, and Peter’s commitment to nuclear energy, zero emissions nuclear energy, and the ability for that to help keep an industrial base in our country. And so there will be clear choices on the table. And I do think those polls show a disappointment in the Albanese Government that Australians feeling their cost of living pressures are clearly showing and may well show all the way through to that election and I wish Peter and the team every success.
Michael Rowland: In your speech to the Senate yesterday, you expressed concern about the rise of divisive tribalism and global politics. Are you worried that is seeping into Australian politics?
Simon Birmingham: I’m worried that there are some who try to. And you, of course, just spent a lot of time in the US for their campaign, Michael. And I know you would have seen that writ large in aspects of it. And I think those who have sought to play politics, and frankly, it’s happened on both the far left and the far right with issues like abortion. That is not the Australian way. And I was so very pleased to see Peter Dutton slap that down and be very clear about his view that they are state matters. And I think also show that he understands the respect that Australian women expect for their reproductive rights, and that it’s just not a debate that we want to have infiltrate our politics like it plays out in the US.
Michael Rowland: I think most people watching would heartily agree with that. So, Simon Birmingham, a couple of questions to end. What will you miss most about the Senate?
Simon Birmingham: Oh look, I will miss. I mean, I’ll miss the opportunity to, you know, to use the amazing platform of the Senate to have my say on anything at any time. I’ll miss some of the deal making that happens for sure. I’ll miss my colleagues. But to that first point as well, I made the message and the point to my colleagues last night. It is a remarkable platform you have in the Parliament to be able to say things and get things done. You don’t have to behave like an idiot. You don’t have to be rude to one another. You don’t have to tear up the conventions of the Senate. You know, some of the behaviour that goes on reflects poorly on this place, and it’s also just completely unnecessary.
Michael Rowland: Who behaves like an idiot?
Simon Birmingham: Well, I think we saw that from some of the crossbench and you know, and they provoke one another too. It goes back to that tribalism, those far left, far right elements. And it’s just so very, very unnecessary. It’s attention seeking behaviour rather than productive behaviour to actually get things done. And if there’s a parting message in some ways to voters, it’s look at Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party. Look at Peter Dutton and the Coalition. Think about who you want to have govern the country. I’ve seen lots of unpredictable, destructive behaviour that all too often comes from minor parties and crossbenchers, and I urge voters to actually make a choice of government in this country. One way or the other.
Michael Rowland: Yeah, listen, it probably won’t be the last time we speak, but I just want to use this opportunity to say after your big speech yesterday. Thank you for you’re one of the few pollies on either side who has stumped up to our show regularly in good times and most importantly, in bad times to answer the tough questions. So on behalf of our viewers, I want to thank you for that.
Simon Birmingham: Thank you, Michael. That’s very generous and I won’t say I’ve always enjoyed it, but I know it’s always been important to do so.
Michael Rowland: Yes, accountability is very important and we appreciate that. Thank you.
Simon Birmingham: Thanks, mate.
[ENDS]