New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazard announces retirement from politics

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazard has announced he will retire from politics next year after serving in parliament for 30 years.

Hazard said it was “a time of new beginnings” and confirmed in March that he would not contest the seat, ending his 32-year term as a member of Wakehurst.

He described his six years as health minister, half of which were heavily consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as “the best and the worst”.

“[I]Now is the time to focus on my family and my new job outside the government,” he said Monday night.

“This period of political life has been very tough. As my staff noted, Victoria had four health ministers at this time and Queensland and Tasmania had three health ministers. there was a minister

“First and foremost, I would like to thank my wife and family for their support, especially in the last three years, especially during the last three years of being plagued by COVID.”

Mr. Hazard has been a front venture for the Liberal government for 12 years and has also worked on a portfolio of family and community services, infrastructure and planning.

The 71-year-old has also been appointed Attorney General and Minister of Justice for the Mike Baird Department.

The current prime minister, Dominique Perrotet, thanked his “friend” for 30 years of state service.

“On the floor of the New South Wales Legislature, Brad was a vibrant energy, color and breath of life, and a generous mentor and friend to many members of parliament, not only within government but throughout politics,” he said. Told.

“Above all, Brad was a tireless and dedicated advocate for people across the state, especially his local voters in Wakehurst.”

Hazard’s announcement makes him the latest senior government official to leave politics ahead of the March elections.