Senior Liberal set to announce retirement

Senior Liberal senator and former minister Simon Birmingham is leaving politics for a “commercial-orientated” role, retiring as the Coalition’s longest continuously current-serving senator.

Announcing his retirement on the final scheduled sitting week of 2024, he reflected on his 17-year run in parliament, which traversed the leadership of seven different prime ministers beginning with John Howard in 2007.

“When I entered this chamber in May 2007 I was its youngest member at this time,” the now-50-year-old told the Senate.

“I will leave, thankfully, not as its oldest, but as the longest, continuously serving of my current coalition colleagues.”

In some of his final statements to the chamber, which was at time punctuated by tears and a shaky voice, he said that while he “certainly” didn’t agree with Peter Dutton on everything, he said the Opposition Leader was “grounded, thoroughly decent, and has a perspective in touch with many hard working Australians”.

“I am confident that he would be a strong and effective prime minister, and I wish Peter and the Coalition team nothing but success,” he said.

He also warned against the “global rise of populism and divisive tribalism peddled by ideological extremes”, issuing the warning to both sides of the political spectrum.

“Those on the harder edges of the left and the right who seek to divide our country only make us weaker in our division,” he said.

“Little is gained by culture wars, politicians obsessing over what happens in private bedrooms, or anyone seeking to override evidence-based medical practice.

“I am a proud Liberal of the John Stuart Mill tradition, preferring less government intervention in both our economy and personal lives.”

The Morrison-era finance minister and education minister also urged the parliament to pursue further education reform which would tie federal university funding to graduate employment outcomes.

“Decisions made by universities play a huge role in shaping the graduate mix across our country,” he said.

“It is in the interests of both students and the economy for unis to face both reputational and financial incentives to get the enrolment mix right.”

Senator Birmingham also credited the Morrison government with saving “many Australian lives and livelihoods” during the Covid pandemic, which began while he was overseeing the trade, tourism and investment portfolio.

The first special National Security Committee meeting was called on the same day as his daughter Matilda’s ninth birthday party, and would subsequently result in Australia closing its borders to China.

“As trade and tourism minister, this was a decision of such consequence for the stakeholders I represented,” he said.

“I challenged the health advice, but could ultimately see the wisdom in the precautions being taken.”

In comments made to the House, Liberal leader Peter Dutton thanked Senator Birmingham for his dedication to the party.

“Can I say thank you very much to Simon Birmingham, who has just announced his retirement as our leader the opposition in the Senate,” the Opposition Leader said.

“He’s given an enormous amount to our country.”

Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to Senator Birmingham for his lengthy service.

“He’s someone who has very broad respect, right across the parliament and he certainly has my personal respect,” Mr Albanese told parliament.

“He’s someone of integrity, who is easy to deal with and to get things done,

“So to Simon, Courtney and their family, it is understandable that he’s made this decision, but I wish him all the very best.”

Senator Birmingham previously served as the finance minister under the government following the retirement of Mathias Cormann.

He has also held the portfolios for trade, tourism and investment, and education and training.