After almost eight years in state politics, Jai Rowell has called it quits.
The Liberal State Member for Wollondilly stood up in parliament today to announce that he will not be a candidate for the next election, due in just over a year from now.
Mr Rowell, who also served on Campbelltown Council, told parliament he was putting family before politics.
With his wife, Belinda, about to deliver their third child, Mr Rowell said he had decided the time had come to spend more time with his family.
“In my inaugural speech I referenced Alan Jackson’s song Small Town Southern Man where he said, ‘his greatest contribution is the ones you leave behind’. He was speaking of family,’’ Mr Rowell said in his speech.
“The best job I will ever have is to be the dad of Will and Menzies and the husband of Belinda. Everything I have done in my life, is to make this a better place for them.
“My wife is expecting our third son, Chase Patrick George Rowell, and the best job I will ever have will be added to with another son.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“As our baby is due to arrive any time now, given both my beloved parents are unwell, being one year out to the election and with nominations now open, it is with mixed emotions, I announce that I will not be contesting the 2019 election.[/social_quote]
“It is time for me to support 100 per cent those who have supported me.
“No longer will my family miss a husband, father and son.
“This is a decision I have not come to lightly and have taken some time over the parliamentary break to consider. It is important to stand with my wife and watch our children grow up into fine young men.
“I’m lucky to have the loving support of my parents Ted and Yvonne, along with the support of my sister Ebony and my in-laws John and Annette.
“I want to thank the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, for encouraging me to recontest, but understanding my decision.
“I am proud of our government’s achievements and wish her and the team all the best for the next election.
“I want to thank the communities of Wollondilly and the Southern Highlands who have worked with me to make our region a great place.
“We have achieved a lot delivering billions of dollars in much needed infrastructure and services such as upgrading Bowral and Campbelltown hospitals, announcing a new public high school, creating jobs, helping our most vulnerable and protecting our environment to name a few.’’
Mr Rowell promised to continue to fight for what’s important to the people of Wollondilly and Southern Highlands after his departure from March next year.
“There is still much fire in the belly,’’ he said.
