Victorian MP and former cabinet minister Alan Tudge has confirmed he will resign from federal parliament next week.
Tudge told parliament this afternoon that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has been aware of his intention to resign since the death of his father last month.
“It’s not been an easy decision for me, but it is necessary for my health and for my family, amongst other reasons. I certainly have not taken this decision lightly,” he said.
Tudge, who is the Liberal MP for the marginal outer-eastern Melbourne seat of Aston, narrowly held onto his seat in the May federal election.
In his resignation speech, Tudge cited his family as the main factor in his decision.
“My daughters, who are 18 and 16, know nothing other than their dad being away,” he said.
“They’ve had to put up with things that no teenager should have to, including death threats – the most recent of which was last week.
“While this profession can be unforgiving at times, serving as a member of parliament, though, has been one of the greatest honours of my life.”
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese admitted he had “political differences” with Tudge but thanked him for his service.
“I thank him for the sacrifices that are made to serve in this house, and I, on behalf of the government, say that I respect the decision that he has made, and I respect the manner in which it has been made,” Albanese said.
He said he had spoken to Tudge on the difficulties faced by the children of politicians, “who are sometimes exposed to what should never occur, particularly at a time where people can make anonymous comments through social media, and through other divisive forms”.
He also stood aside from cabinet before the last federal election after allegations from former staffer Rachelle Miller he had been emotionally and, on one occasion, physically abusive during a consensual affair.
Tudge has denied the allegations.
Tudge’s exit will trigger a byelection in his seat.
Despite speculation, former treasurer Josh Frydenberg is not expected to enter the race to replace Tudge.
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