Christopher Pyne leaves a legacy that will deliver enduring benefits to people across South Australia and right around Australia, for decades to come.
Campaigning under the slogan “Pyne delivers” he didn’t disappoint, delivering in spades.
From an array of local projects, most notably the ARC community leisure hub at Campbelltown, through to the re-establishment of a sovereign naval shipbuilding capability in Australia, the lives of many thousands of Australians are better off thanks to the work of Christopher Pyne.
However, all good things must come to an end and, after 26 years of parliamentary service, nobody should be surprised that Christopher will close the book on this chapter of his life.
Christopher will retire from the Australian Parliament as the longest-serving South Australian non-Labor member in history, having been endorsed by the people of Sturt in nine successive elections. He has served more than half of his life and the overwhelming majority of his adult life, as the Member for Sturt. It is a remarkable record.
I pay special tribute to his family, who have borne the burden of his time in office and his high public profile. His wife Carolyn and children Barnaby, Eleanor, Felix and Aurelia are never far from his thoughts and should know that they have been the subject of many wishful conversations at the end of a long Canberra day. Their busy family home is set to become an even louder and livelier place thanks to Christopher’s increased presence!
It has been an honour for me to serve alongside Christopher in the parliament, in the cabinet, and in the leadership group of the government.
Christopher is renowned for his sharp wit, amazing sense of humour, and incredible verve. He can disarm a tense situation with a wicked observation, while maintaining a laser like focus on securing the desired outcome. He is indefatigable when under attack but has always believed that attack is the best form of defence.
Of critical importance, Christopher has always been a warrior for liberal values and principles, consistently championing contemporary policies that reflect the opinions of modern Australia.
Throughout his long career Christopher has been a mentor to countless Liberal candidates, members and staff. Many careers have been commenced or enhanced thanks to his encouragement and tutelage.
Politics won’t quite be the same without Christopher Pyne but South Australians can be confident that their federal Liberal representatives will keep securing the policies and investments that are making our state stronger and more secure.
I am confident local Liberal Party members will select a new Liberal candidate for Sturt who equally exudes the political smarts to deliver for all South Australians, especially the people of Sturt.
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