Senator Simon Birmingham Steps Down After Years of Service

After close to twenty years in Parliament, Opposition Senate Leader Simon Birmingham has announced his retirement and will not seek re-election next year.

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

In a heartfelt farewell in the upper house, Birmingham acknowledged the mixed emotions his departure may bring.

“Some may be disappointed to see me go, albeit maybe only a few. I apologize, especially to those who feel let down by my decision,” he said.

Acknowledging the nature of politics, he added, “Others may be thrilled to see me leave. To them, I also apologize, sorry for bringing you this joy. However, staying just out of spite or to prove others wrong is not a good enough reason to stay.”

“It is always better to go when some wish for you to stay,” he noted during his emotional farewell speech.

Looking ahead, Senator Birmingham expressed his excitement for a new, commercially focused career next year, assuring his audience it would not involve lobbying, government relations, or commentary.

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

A Call for Respect

In his farewell address, Senator Birmingham urged his colleagues to uphold respect in their work, referencing recent events that underscored the importance of his advice.

“It is not necessary to attack each other or make debates personal to advance the issues that matter to you,” he stated.

“Every senator is granted remarkable privileges and a platform unlike any other in this nation. Utilize those privileges, maximize your platform, and you will be amazed at what you can achieve without crossing boundaries.”

His farewell message stressed the significance of maintaining the integrity of the Senate while promoting respectful and meaningful debates.

Reflecting on a Long Political Career

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

He has held positions as minister for education, trade, and finance in previous Coalition governments. Birmingham has also played key roles in the cabinets of Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison.

As trade minister, Birmingham faced significant challenges, especially during a diplomatic rift with China, which resulted in tariffs on various Australian goods.

However, he successfully negotiated trade agreements with the United Kingdom and spearheaded the region’s largest trade deal with 13 other nations.

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

“This decision had significant consequences for the stakeholders I represented. I questioned the health advice but also saw the wisdom in the decision. It was the first of many monumental decisions,” he stated in his Senate speech.

A Moderate on Social Policy

During the pandemic, Birmingham also served as finance minister, alongside former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, assisting in shaping budgets that played a crucial role in keeping unemployment levels low.

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 emphasized the importance of reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, stating, “We must strive to make Australians proud of having the oldest continuously living culture in the world, not ashamed due to disadvantage or resentful due to perceived special treatment.”

In his current role as shadow foreign affairs minister, Birmingham has been vocal about Australia’s firm stance on international issues.

He has called for unwavering support for Israel amidst the conflict in Gaza and has advocated for a stronger response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Pitch for his Leader

Before concluding, Birmingham made a plea to Australians on behalf of his leader Peter Dutton.

He said, “This may not be universally accepted across the chamber, but I believe the Liberal Party has a leader who understands in Peter Dutton.”

“Peter and I do not always see eye to eye on everything, but Peter is grounded, genuinely decent, and has a perspective that resonates 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 appreciation for Senator Birmingham’s service in a statement in the lower house.

“Birmo has a young family, and I know he will value the chance to spend more time with them,” Dutton commented. “He has made a significant contribution to our nation.”

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

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

Foreign Minister Penny Wong commended Simon Birmingham for his unwavering integrity and respectful engagement throughout their political careers, labeling him as someone who always worked towards positive outcomes for Australia.

“Simon Birmingham always engages with respect, integrity, and a clear vision for achieving something positive for our country,” said Wong, the government’s Senate leader.

Wong highlighted Birmingham’s ability to rise above petty politics, praising him for his kindness, especially after their defeat in the 2019 election.

“He was very kind to me after our loss in the 2019 election. Our kids were both studying Mandarin at the same school, and he saw me outside and was very, very kind. I will never forget that,” she shared.

Sue Lines, Senate President, offered a personal reflection on Birmingham’s career.

“I have found you to be a person of great integrity, trustworthy, and honorable. Your contributions have often been sharp and witty. Unfortunately, in this role, I have not been able to laugh at them, but I have found them witty,” she expressed.