Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli has confirmed he is quitting politics, sighting family reasons.
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Mr Piccoli’s decision comes into effect next Friday, September 15, triggering the Berejiklian Government’s third state by-election this year.
Mr Piccoli told The Area News his decision was based purely on a desire to spend more time with his children.
“It’s not an excuse, I just want to put my kids and family first,” Mr Piccoli said.
“It’s something I’ve been considering since January, after losing the education portfolio, but there were other commitments I wanted to make sure were followed through.”
The 18-year political veteran accepted an offer late last week to fill a role as the University of New South Wales’ director of regional education at the newly created institute for education.
The role will see Mr Piccoli based primarily in Griffith, where he will take a lead in research policy and development into regional education.
Reports last week suggested Mr Piccoli announced his intentions to fellow MPs, while the Murray representative was in Europe on invitation from an international educational board.
“I loved my time as Education Minister, and I feel like my experience will help me with my new role,” Mr Piccoli said.
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“I’m doing it for my family, and this (new role) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us.”
The Griffith local acknowledged triggering another by-election is ‘inconvenient’, but maintained there was no personal or political gain considered in his decision.
He said the time is right following what he said were key recent achievements, including the $25 million Griffith super school confirmation, a $35m commitment to Griffith Base Hospital’s stage one redevelopment and financial backing for Griffith’s heavy vehicle southern bypass link.
He also quashed recent accusations from the Shooters, Hunters and Fishers Party suggesting his shortened tenure is a strategic financial choice.
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“It’s ridiculous. I’ve never been there for the super(annuation), and never have been,” Mr Piccoli said.
“In fact, leaving early means I’m actually losing out compared to if I stayed.”