Long-Serving Senator Simon Birmingham Calls Time on Political Career

Tributes flow for Simon Birmingham as Dutton, Albanese, Wong and Lines reflected on his integrity and service.

Former Australian Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Birmingham at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on May 13, 2021. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

After nearly two decades in Parliament, Opposition Senate Leader Simon Birmingham has announced his retirement and will not seek re-election next year.

Birmingham is one of the Liberal Party’s most well-known moderate MPs, who currently serves as shadow foreign minister and Coalition Senate leader.

Birmingham shared a heartfelt farewell in the upper house, acknowledging the mixed emotions his departure might evoke.

“Some will be kind enough to be disappointed to see me go, maybe only a rare few. I am sorry, especially to those who feel that I am letting them or the team down at this time,” he said.

Acknowledging the nature of politics, he added, “Others will be delighted to see the back of me. To them, I am also sorry, sorry that I’m giving you this joy. But staying just to spite my opponents or to prove them wrong is no good reason to stay.”

“It is always better to go when there are some wishing you to stay,” he remarked during his emotional valedictory speech.

Looking ahead, Senator Birmingham shared his excitement for a new, commercially focused career next year, assuring his audience it would steer clear of lobbying, government relations, or commentary.

“Now is the right time for me, for my family, and for new career pathways,” he added, as his wife and daughter sat in the visitors gallery.

A Call for Respect

In his parting address, Senator Birmingham urged his colleagues to maintain respect in their work, referencing recent events that underscored his advice.

“It is not necessary to target one another and personalise debates to advance the issues important to you,” he stated.

“Every senator is afforded remarkable privileges and a platform like no other in this nation. Use those privileges, make the most of your platform, and you will be amazed at what you can achieve without crossing the line.”

His farewell message emphasised the importance of upholding the integrity of the Senate while fostering respectful and meaningful debate.

Reflecting on a Long Political Career

Reflecting on his extensive political career, Senator Simon Birmingham recalled his time representing South Australia since his election in 2007.

He has served as minister for education, trade, and finance under previous Coalition governments. He also held prominent roles in the cabinets of Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison.

As trade minister, Birmingham said he faced significant challenges, particularly during a diplomatic freeze with China, which imposed tariffs on various Australian goods.

Nevertheless, he successfully negotiated trade deals with the United Kingdom and spearheaded the region’s largest trade agreement with 13 other countries.

Recalling the early days of the COVID pandemic, Birmingham reflected on the difficult decision to close Australia’s borders to China.

“This was a decision of such consequences to the stakeholders I represented. I challenged the health advice but could also see the wisdom in the decision being taken. It was the first of many monumental decisions,” he said in his Senate speech.

A Moderate on Social Policy

During the pandemic, Birmingham also served as finance minister, alongside former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, helping steer several budgets that were instrumental in maintaining low unemployment levels.

As a moderate within the Liberal Party, Birmingham advocated for progressive social policies, notably supporting same-sex marriage and taking a more neutral stance on the Coalition’s opposition to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

He also emphasised the importance of reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, stating, “We should strive to make Australians proud of having the oldest continuously living culture in the world, not ashamed due to disadvantage nor resentful due to perception of special treatment.”

In his current role as the shadow foreign affairs minister, Birmingham has been an outspoken advocate for Australia’s strong stance on international issues.

He has called for unwavering support for Israel amid the conflict in Gaza and has urged a more robust response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Pitch for his Leader

Before closing, he made an appeal to Australians for his leader Peter Dutton.

He said, “This won’t be universally agreed across the chamber, but in Peter Dutton, I believe the Liberal Party has a leader who understands.”

“Peter and I certainly don’t agree on everything, but Peter is grounded, thoroughly decent, and has a perspective in touch with many hardworking Australians,” he added.

He expressed confidence that Dutton would be a strong and effective prime minister.

Tributes Pour In for Long-Serving Senator

Opposition Leader Dutton expressed gratitude for Senator Birmingham’s service during a statement in the lower house.

“Birmo has a young family, and I know he’ll appreciate the opportunity to spend more time with them,” Dutton remarked. “He has contributed enormously to our nation.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also extended his appreciation, describing Senator Birmingham as a figure of “integrity” who earned respect across the political spectrum.

“While his decision is understandable, I wish him nothing but the very best,” Albanese stated in the chamber.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong commended Simon Birmingham for his unwavering integrity and respectful engagement during their political careers, describing him as a person who always worked toward positive outcomes for Australia.

“Simon Birmingham is always engaged respectfully. He is always engaged with integrity, and he is always engaged with a clear view for achieving something positive for our country,” said Wong, the government’s leader of the Senate.

Wong highlighted Birmingham’s ability to rise above petty politics, praising him for demonstrating kindness, especially after their 2019 election loss.

“He was very kind to me after our 2019 election loss. Our children were both doing Mandarin at the same school, and he saw me outside and was very, very kind to me. I’ve never forgotten that.”

Sue Lines, president of the Senate, shared a personal reflection on Birmingham’s career.

“I found you to be a person of great integrity, trustworthy and honourable. Your contributions have often been sharp and witty. Sadly, in this role, I’ve never really been able to laugh at them, but I have found them witty.”