AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-2009
Qld: Minister Pitt to quit politics at the next election
BRISBANE, Feb 17 AAP - Queensland Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt has announced he
will not contest the next state election, which pundits say is imminent.
The Mulgrave MP said there was a combination of personal and professional reasons for
his decision.
He was diagnosed in April 2005 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which affects cells of
the lymphatic system.
"As many people are aware, I have successfully fought a battle against serious illness
over the last several years," Mr Pitt said in a statement.
"I am now in full remission, something for which I believe I owe much to the unending
support of my family and friends.
"I have come to the decision that it is now an appropriate time for me to return some
of that support to my family by withdrawing from politics to spend more time with my loved
ones."
Mr Pitt said he also believed it was time for renewal within the government.
"The Bligh Labor government is a good government, with talented ministers, which has
achieved much over the last 18 months," he said.
"However, I also firmly believe that the government has a pool of very talented backbenchers
who are now ready to step up and make significant contributions at the ministerial level."
The retirement is the third announced this week, after Townsville MP Mike Reynolds
and Greenslopes MP Gary Fenlon on Sunday.
It brings the number of Labor MPs who have decided not to contest to eight.
Police Minister Judy Spence, Housing Minister Robert Schwarten and Murrumba MP Dean
Wells are now Labor's last remaining MPs elected in 1989.
Ms Spence on Tuesday told reporters she had no thoughts of retiring.
"I'm contesting the next election, I'll be out there, be doing street stalls in my
electorate all weekend," she said.
The election is not due until September, but is tipped for March 28.
AAP gd/pjo/apm
KEYWORD: POLL QLD PITT
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