ALTHOUGH he leaves behind a strong legacy, Upper Hunter MP George Souris believes the electorate still faces a number of challenges.
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After 27 years in Parliament, Mr Souris will call time on his political career at the end of the current term, with NSW voters heading to the polls on March 28, 2015.
He made the announcement on Saturday afternoon – ending months of speculation about his future.
“The National Party called for nominations for a candidate to contest the next election,” Mr Souris said.
“However, I will not be a candidate this time.
“It has been a privilege to serve and I would like to thank the electorate, which re-elected me for seven successive terms with a hefty margin.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to the National Party Upper Hunter Electorate Council, the many branches and members and the booth workers on election days.”
Mr Souris, who attended the 2014 AGL Singleton Show at the weekend, also paid tribute to a number of special people.
“I thank my family and friends, especially my wife Vassy,” he told The Argus.
“She has been an integral part of my public life, attending almost all electorate engagements, events and functions whenever possible.
“Thanks to my staff including Pam De Boer, with me for all 27 years, the state’s longest-serving electorate secretary; and Suzanne Andrews.
“Both have served the people of the Upper Hunter with distinction.”
Mr Souris indicated he would be interested in a role somewhere in the corporate or business sector; and to also serve the community voluntarily in some continuing way.
“I haven’t sought any roles at present,” he said.
“I intend to serve the electorate without encumbrance through to the end of the current term.”
Mr Souris said there was still plenty of work to do in the electorate.
“Not the least of which is the contest of land use in our agricultural, equine, viticultural and mining industries,” he said.
“However, I believe major funding for the electorate with the successful Resources for Regions and the Hunter Infrastructure Investment Fund and Restart NSW are providing much-needed attention and investment benefitting the local economy and indeed the whole state. The development of the Golden Highway and Hunter Expressway stand out.”