Key facts
- Liberal frontbencher Jonno Duniam will resign from federal politics before the end of the year.
- Duniam has served as a senator for Tasmania since 2016 and is the shadow home affairs minister.
- He cited exhaustion and a desire to prioritize family after 25 years in public service.
- Duniam will complete the Coalition's immigration policy work before departing.
- His resignation comes amid low Coalition popularity and a surge in support for One Nation.
Liberal frontbencher Jonno Duniam announced on Sunday that he will resign from federal politics before the end of the year. Duniam, who has served as the shadow home affairs minister and a senator for Tasmania since 2016, stated that the decision was extremely difficult but necessary to spend more time with his family after 25 years in public service.
In a statement, Duniam expressed pride and gratitude but also exhaustion, noting that his role in politics had often come at the expense of his family. He informed opposition leader Angus Taylor of his decision and agreed to complete the Coalition's immigration policy work, focusing on strengthening Australia's migration system.
Home affairs minister Tony Burke acknowledged Duniam as one of the opposition's "best and brightest." Duniam recognized that his announcement occurs at a challenging period for the Coalition, which is experiencing low popularity in current polls, with One Nation seeing a significant surge in support.