Stuckey to call it a day
AN emotional Jann Stuckey has announced she will take a step back from politics after more than 15 years representing Currumbin.
The long-serving MP needed to stop during her speech in parliament late yesterday afternoon so she could fight back tears.
“After much soul searching and with a heavy heart I advise the house that I will not be standing for preselection for the seat of Currumbin at the next election,” she said.
“This has not been an easy decision to make, especially given my deep attachment for my beloved Currumbin, her people and her magnificent attributes. It’s been such an honour and privilege to have served as state representative since 2004.”
Ms Stuckey is taking a step back due to health reasons.
“There are just little signals that mean you should be stepping down for a bit,” she said.
Ms Stuckey had a hip replacement this year and said she could not face another four-year term.
The former Commonwealth Games Minister said her proudest moment was finally getting a commitment to have the M1 widened in the southern part of the Coast.
She said she timed her announcement to give the LNP plenty of time to install another candidate in the area before the election in October next year.
Ms Stuckey said the next Currumbin MP needed to be someone who was already involved in the community, including surf lifesaving and helping at schools.
LNP leader Deb Frecklington praised Ms Stuckey as “an exceptional minister”, while Broadwater MP David Crisafulli said her retirement would mark “the end of an era”.
“On behalf of the Liberal National Party, I would like to thank Jann Stuckey for her service to Currumbin and Queensland,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Jann has fought tirelessly for her Gold Coast community since her election in 2004 and she is very popular in her electorate. Jann was an exceptional minister during the previous LNP Government, keeping the Commonwealth Games on time and on budget.
“A proud Gold Coaster, Jann has delivered many local projects including upgrades to the M1. She is a valued member of the LNP team and will continue to advocate for her community right up to the election in 2020.”
ALP Member for Gaven Meaghan Scalon also praised Ms Stuckey. “I haven’t always seen eyeto-eye but I have respect for her courage to join with me as the only other GC MP to vote for the decriminalisation of abortion,” she said on Twitter.