Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has announced he will not contest the 2025 election as a swathe of MPs from both sides of the aisle look to step down in the new year.
The federal Nationals MP made the surprise announcement on Dec. 20, after serving more than a decade in parliament.
“I have today informed the Liberal National Party (LNP) Hinkler Federal Division Council Chair that I will not be contesting the 2025 election,” he said in a statement.
“It has been an incredible privilege to represent my local community.
“The last 11 years have provided some extraordinary successes, many highs and some unfortunate lows, but I believe overall, better outcomes for the people I was first sent to represent in Canberra in 2013.”
Pitt confirmed he would carry out the remainder of his term up until the federal election in May, negating any need for a by-election.
“I am as humbled now, as I was after winning my first campaign, by the backing of the local LNP members, volunteers and supporters,” he said.
“Without them I could never have held this seat for four terms for the Coalition.
“While I know some will be disappointed, I’m sure my decision will be warmly welcomed by others.”
Pitt said he wished every success for party colleague and Liberal Party Opposition Leader Peter Dutton next year.
He also thanked his wide Allison, their three children and his staff.
“I thank them all,” he said.
Pitt will vacate politics along with fellow Liberal-National MPs and former cabinet ministers Paul Fletcher, Simon Birmingham, Linda Reynolds, Karen Andrews, David Gillespie, and Warren Entsch.
Pitt’s Political Career
While politics became the MP’s life over the past decade, it was electrical engineering that consumed his early career.Pitt undertook an electrical apprenticeship, and was named Queensland Electrical Apprentice of the Year.
He went on to complete a university degree in computer and electrical engineering at the Queensland University of Technology, which led to work at Bundaberg’s Fairymead Sugar Mill.
In 2013, he was elected Member for Hinkler, which includes the regional Queensland cities of Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.
In February 2016, Pitt was appointed Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister.
That same year, he went on to be appointed Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment.
In March 2018, Pitt was appointed as Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, the National’s Michael McCormack. He resigned from this position in August 2018.
By 2020, Pitt was appointed as Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia before being sworn in as Minister for Resources and Water a year later.
He is an active member of the Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving and Parliamentary Friends of Rugby League.
