Earlier today, Federal MP for Paterson, Bob Baldwin announced, via his facebook page, that he would not seek re-election at this year's Federal Poll.
“After much consideration and serious deliberation I have decided to withdraw my nomination and will not contest the seat of Paterson at the next election,”’ he said.
“I have not come to the decision lightly and I feel it is time to move on with my life and allow others the opportunity to fulfil their dreams of entering parliament with fresh enthusiasm.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the community over so many terms and feel I have left a legacy of many successful projects working in conjunction with the community and all levels of government.
“I am proud to have represented the Liberal Party in Paterson for 17 of the past 20 years. I also feel privileged to have served on the Federal executive in both Government and Opposition and I thank the party for that opportunity.”
In the recent NSW redistribution, Paterson lost large areas, including the village of North Arm Cove, to the Electoral Division of Lyne. The redistribution led to Paterson becoming notional a Labor seat with a narrow margin of 0.4% according to ABC's Anthony Green.
Bob Baldwin often visited the Cove including last year as guest speaker at the April meeting of the Residents Association. We wish him well with his life post-politics.
