{"id":134526,"date":"2016-02-11T13:44:55","date_gmt":"2016-02-11T03:44:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=134526"},"modified":"2020-10-23T11:22:20","modified_gmt":"2020-10-23T01:22:20","slug":"warren-truss-confirms-resignation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2016\/02\/11\/warren-truss-confirms-resignation\/","title":{"rendered":"Warren Truss Confirms Resignation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Warren Truss and his wife Lyn were special guests at the Moffatdale State School Centenary celebrations last year<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

February 11, 2016<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI came from a small farming district and went to a very small State School, and I had the privilege now to become Deputy Prime Minister of our country. I wonder whether I\u2019ll be the last person with a limited education who comes from one of the poorest electorates in the country to become Deputy Prime Minister. I hope not.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Deputy PM Warren Truss confirmed on Thursday what had been tipped for some time … he will not recontest the seat of Wide Bay at the next re-election.<\/p>\n

The former Kingaroy Shire Chairman, raised on a navy bean farm near Kumbia, has had a distinguished career in Federal politics, serving as Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister; Customs and Consumer Affairs Minister; Transport and Regional Services Minister; and Trade Minister.<\/p>\n

But he hopes he won’t be the last person with his background to make it in Canberra.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we do need amongst the leadership of our country, a breadth of experience and skills,\u201d he said during his speech to Parliament.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn my early years, I was always talked about as the youngest national president of Rural Youth, the youngest councillor, youngest mayor. But now that I\u2019m numbered amongst the oldest, I think it\u2019s time to go.”<\/p>\n

Mr Truss said that his greatest pleasures as an MP came when he was able to help someone with a small problem or to guide them through government bureaucracy.<\/p>\n

He joked that when he became party leader in 2007 no one wanted the job – “including me” – but now everyone wants it.<\/p>\n

The Nationals partyroom met on Thursday night to elect a new parliamentary leader, who will automatically become the next Deputy Prime Minister.<\/p>\n

Deputy Leader Barnaby Joyce was elected Leader unopposed; and after a number of ballots, NSW Senator Fiona Nash was elected as the replacement Deputy Leader.<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described Mr Truss as a voice of wisdom, stability and generosity. <\/strong><\/p>\n

He said he had helped to shape the future of Australia and make it better.<\/p>\n

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten praised Mr Truss as a \u201ckind and gentle soul\u201d, a tireless worker for his electorate and a proud advocate for country people.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have earned a fulfilling, peaceful and healthy retirement with your loving wife,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mr Truss Addressing Parliament on Thursday:<\/strong><\/h3>\n