Neale Burgess MP has announced he will not recontest the Seat of Hastings at next year’s state election.
Mr Burgess was elected the Member for Hastings at the November 2006 election and was re-elected in 2010 and 2014.
He said it was a privilege to have served for 16 years.
“When I was first elected, I thought we would have more time in government and with that, more opportunities to deliver the big-ticket items that every community wants and needs,” Mr Burgess said.
“While things didn’t turn out that way, I was given the opportunity to do the most satisfying and worthwhile work of my life.
“Literally, thousands of opportunities to help local people and families, overcome the many big and small challenges life sent their way.”
He said it has been an honour to be a Liberal Member of the Victorian Parliament.
“It is the right time for me and it’s the right time for my party,” Mr Burgess said.
“Matthew Guy and his team have the vision, policy ideas and capacity to offer a competitive and credible alternative at next year’s state election.
“I have great faith and confidence in my friend, Matthew Guy, and in his team and I know they will provide Victorians with a real choice.”
Mr Burgess said he was blessed to have a loving and understanding family and supportive co-workers throughout his time as the Member for Hastings.
“One of those co-workers, Barry Fay, deserves special mention,” he said.
“Barry has been with me from day one and his service to our community has been outstanding.
“Those in office are elected to bring about positive change to the communities they represent, and I am immensely proud of all that has been achieved throughout our community over the past four terms.”
Favourite outcomes during his time in the seat of Hastings include stopping a bitumen plant, urea plant and AGL’s gas plant from being forced on Crib Point.
He said it was now time to pass the baton to someone new, with a fresh perspective.
