Today Annette Ellis, the dedicated and hard working Member for Canberra, has announced her decision not to contest the next federal election.
During almost 15 years of representing the people of southern Canberra, and almost 30 working with the Labor Party, Annette has been a tireless and passionate advocate for her community.
Annette has always taken very seriously her responsibilities to the people of Canberra, and has quietly and deliberately worked to deliver real outcomes on the ground.
The respect she has earned in her own community is reflected in her election to the Federal Parliament on five occasions.
Annette has been a passionate contributor to the Committee process throughout her time as a Member of the House of Representatives, including currently as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth, a member of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade and a member of the National Capital and External Territories Joint Standing Committee of the Federal Parliament.
Annette has expressed often to me her belief in the opportunities provided through the Committee process for learning, consideration and deliberation of the real policy challenges facing our national parliament.
Her work for her community and in the House of Representatives demonstrates this quiet, thoughtful and profoundly effective belief in the importance of good and considered government.
Annette has also been a strong campaigner on improved disability and aged care services throughout her time in Parliament, including as the Shadow Minister for Disabilities and Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors from 2001-2004.
An active, committed local member, it is with regret that I received the news of her decision to retire at the next election.
I would like to thank Annette for her invaluable service to the people of Canberra, and to the Australian Labor Party.
Ms Ellis will continue to serve the people of Canberra until the next Federal election.
I wish Annette all the very best for the future.