Entsch reverses decision; will run again

Warren Entsch, the Federal Member for Leichhardt, has turned his back on an earlier decision and will now re-contest his seat at the next election.

On election night in 2019, Entsch announced that he would not recontest the next federal election, as he felt the time was right to pursue other interests outside politics.

“That decision was made well before the global COVID-19 pandemic was even thought of, or before it reached our shores.

“Our region was one of the first to be severely impacted by the pandemic and we will be one of the last to recover,” said Entsch.

He said he was recently approached by several tourism, businesses and community leaders across the region urging him to reconsider his retirement plans.

“Their argument was they needed my experience, connections and credibility as a senior government member, as well as the experience of my wonderful staff, to maximise opportunities for the region as we begin the recovery phase.

“They were firmly of the view that this is certainly not the time for change,” he said.

Entsch’s decision has been well received by Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr.

“Warren has been a staunch supporter of this region for as long as I can remember and his support to me in my role as a new Mayor has been unwavering.

“I congratulate Warren on his decision to run again, and I am sure that if successful at number nine he will continue to fully support this region as he has over the past 25 years.

“Like all politicians that are there for the right reason, I am sure he has projects that he wants to see through before he retires, so I am not surprised by this decision,” said Kerr.

Entsch said this was certainly not a decision he had made lightly.

“There were many sleepless nights and heartfelt discussions with my wife Yolonde and my family before I finally came to this decision.

“Sadly, our community will continue to face many challenges over the next few years as we begin our recovery from the global pandemic. It will be a tough road but one which we’ll navigate together.

“I feel it is incumbent on me during these uncertain times to continue to support our community and its residents for as long as it takes along this road.

“My experience will ensure our community continues to have strong, effective and stable leadership during these unprecedented times,” he said.

In May 2019, in his re-election victory speech, he claimed his own success in the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

"I've been very successful in campaigning for national change. Medical cannabis was one that I was able to successfully implement; the other was same-sex marriage, which I'm very proud of,” he said.