Queensland attorney-general to leave politics after nearly 17 years

Queensland attorney-general Yvette D’Ath has announced she will not contest the next state election after nearly 17 years in politics.

The member for Redcliffe held a range of ministerial portfolios including health minister through the end of the pandemic.

D’Ath said her decision to leave politics came with “some sorrow” in a lengthy Facebook post.

“A decade ago to the day, I entered politics for a second time after winning the by-election in the seat of Redcliffe,” D’Ath wrote in the post.

“As I mark this milestone, I want to share with you that I have decided not to recontest the seat of Redcliffe in the upcoming election,” she said.

“There is still much work to do in my portfolio and I look forward to continuing my engagement with the various sectors, including the domestic and family violence and sexual violence sectors, to implement the reforms needed to deliver real change for the people of Queensland.”

She thanked former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for her friendship and support.

“The past 16 years have been the most extraordinary experience of my working career.

“But to be one of the few citizens of this country to have served in both federal and Queensland parliaments, and to have done so as someone who left school at 15, is an honour.

“My decision to not recontest is based on many considerations, but not least that it is time to try to find more balance in my life, to allow myself to look after me, after what will almost be 17 years of serving the people of Queensland.”

She said she believed it was better to leave politics while people were still asking her to stay rather than telling her to go.

Yvette D’Ath lead Queensland through the pandemic in her role as health minister.

“I have many people to thank, which will come later, but at this time, I want to give particular thanks to my family.

“My son Cameron and daughter Emma, who were only four and six when I won federal pre-selection and are now 21 and 23.

“I look forward to enjoying the opportunity to watch them make their own way in this world.”

She thanked the Labor Party and the ”passionate, hardworking and generous people” of Redcliffe.

D’Ath said she was excited to embark on new opportunities and new ways to grow professionally.

Queensland’s next election will be held on October 24.