DATE 11/09/09

 

 

The political landscape in Tasmania will be a bit bleaker after the next Federal election, with the announcement by the Hon Duncan Kerr, SC, MP that he will not recontest the seat of Denison.

 

Mr Kerr, who was elected in 1987, will have given 23 years of unfaltering service to his community by the time he retires from Parliament.

 

“Duncan Kerr is one of those unique politicians who have been successfully returned to office time and time again because he has gained and retained the respect of the Denison constituents through hard work and strong leadership.” Senator Polley said.

 

“He has achieved so much in his time as the Federal Member for Denison, not out of luck but out of a commitment to serving his community and a genuine love of representing his electorate and State. His experience and his guidance over his many years of Parliament have been greatly appreciated by representatives across the country and these attributes will be sorely missed.” Senator Polley stated.

 

Duncan Kerr has had a full and varied career in the Federal Parliament. He has served as the Minister for Justice, Attorney-General and most recently as Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs. He has served on no less than 16 Committees, 2 as Chair, carried 6 Shadow Ministry portfolios and been part of the ALP National Executive.

 

Senator Polley, who served on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Crime Commission alongside Mr Kerr from 2005 to 2007, paid tribute to the long-serving Member for Denison.

 

“Whoever is fortunate enough to be selected to represent Labor in Denison at the next Federal election will certainly have big and busy shoes to fill.” Senator Polley concluded.