August 3, 2015
Federal LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott has announced he will not seek re-election for the seat of Maranoa at the next Federal Election.
Mr Scott, who will turn 72 on October 20, has served the Maranoa electorate for more than 25 years.
The Deputy Speaker made the announcement a day after Speaker Bronwyn Bishop resigned amidst a media storm over travel entitlements.
“I have proudly taken the fight of my constituents to the floor of the Federal Parliament, representing them in times of great triumph and despair,” Mr Scott said.
“I have fought hard for better agricultural, health and education outcomes and to improve the local telecommunications and transport networks across the electorate.
“I value the friendship shown to me by my State and Federal colleagues and appreciate the support of my constituency.”
Following his retirement, Mr Scott plans to take time to pursue other interests and spend time with family.
“Until the Federal Election, due to be held in the second half of 2016, I will continue to be a strong voice for the Maranoa and represent my constituents in Federal Parliament,” he said.
“I will also remain active in my role as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and chairman of the Trade Sub-Committee, as well as my other Parliamentary commitments.”
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(Photo: Maranoa.info)
Mr Scott was elected to the House of Representatives as the Federal Member for Maranoa in 1990.
He has a solid farming background.
The 1983 Australian Nuffield Farming Scholar is a former president of the Queensland Merino Stud Sheep Breeders Association (1983-86), Maranoa Graziers’ Association (1987-90) and Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders (1989-91).
Mr Scott served as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs from March 1996 to November 2001 under the Howard Government.
He was also Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence from October 1998 to November 2001.
He served as Acting Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2002 and 2007, and Second Deputy Speaker from 2008.
In 2012, Mr Scott was elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He is currently a member of the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and is Chairman of its Trade Sub-Committee.
He also sits on the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories; and on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.
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Queensland Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg paid tribute to Mr Scott.
“Bruce Scott has dedicated 25 years of outstanding service passionately representing one of the largest electorates in the Federal Parliament,” Mr Springborg said.
“In his career Bruce has always been a gentleman to deal with whether he was representing his constituents or in his roles as Deputy Speaker, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs or the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence.
“Bruce always put the interests of his constituents first and many people in the Maranoa electorate will attest to his professional and respectful manner.
“On a personal note, I want to thank Bruce for his friendship and ongoing support. Over the years I have thoroughly enjoyed working together to get the best outcome for the people living in the Darling Downs region.
“I wish Bruce, his wife Joan and their family all the very best for whatever the future holds.”
Mr Springborg dismissed rumours he would put up his hand for Maranoa.
He said he remained deeply committed to representing the electorate of Southern Downs.
“My commitment to this region should never be underestimated,” he said. “My priority is and will continue to be representing the Southern Downs electorate to the best of my ability and returning the LNP to government.”
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Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington also thanked Mr Scott for all he has done for Queensland, in particular the Nanango Electorate.
She said it has been a pleasure working with him.
“Mr Scott’s 25 years of service has given him a depth of understanding which has seen him provide extremely strong representation for the people of Maranoa,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Maranoa covers such a large part of Queensland and I know over the past few years one of his main priorities has been to work with farming families affected by the ongoing drought.
“I’d like to thank Bruce for his guidance and assistance. It has been invaluable and I will sincerely miss him when he retires next year.
“I wish Bruce, his wife Joan and his family a wonderful time in retirement, although, I’m sure Bruce will continue to be as busy as ever.”
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