A Stirling innings – Sports and Tourism Minister to step down from best-ever job
Queensland minister Stirling Hinchliffe hopes diversity within the Labor government increases and a young woman replaces him in his Brisbane electorate when he retires next year.
Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport looks on during a Tennis Australia announcement, in Brisbane, Friday, September 15, 2023. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)
The MP told parliament he would not seek preselection for the October 2024 election, calling time 17 years after he was first elected.
Mr Hinchliffe said serving parliament and the people of Queensland had been the greatest honour of his life and it was not fatigue or a desire not to serve that was sending him on his way.
“My wife Megan has put my pursuit of my political life and this parliamentary and ministerial service ahead of things she may wanted to have done for long enough,” he said on Thursday.
“After October of next year, it will be her turn to make the call.
“Megan has willingly supported me and been a partner in decisions.
“But ultimately, I made them and she, and the lives of our children who are also with us in the gallery, were affected by them.
“The time has come for us to make decisions without my duty being the final determinant.”
Mr Hincliffe, 52, was elected to the seat of Stafford in 2006 and lost his seat when the Campbell Newman-led LNP swept to power in 2012.
He returned to parliament as member for Sandgate when Labor won the 2015 election.
Mr Hinchliffe has served in ministries under premiers Anna Bligh and Annastacia Palaszczuk.
He will continue as tourism minister, innovation and sport until the 2024 election.
Mr Hinchliffe said he hoped to be succeeded by a young woman in his electorate, who “brings a new and diverse perspective and a fresh Queensland and Sandgate story to parliament”.
