Liberal senator Simon Birmingham warns of culture war perils in shock resignation from politics

Simon Birmingham has declared it is “the right time” for him to retire from Federal politics and will not seek re-election.

In a shock announcement that took many of his Coalition colleagues by surprise, the Opposition’s senate leader and foreign affairs spokesman said after 18 years serving South Australia, he was ready for his new chapter.

“It is always better to go when there are some wishing you to stay,” he said in an emotional valedictory speech.

“Now is the right time for me, my family and for new career pathways.”

The Liberal Party’s highest-ranking moderate, Senator Birmingham used his speech to warn against culture wars and reflect on his progressive stance on social issues, namely his “proud” support of same sex marriage, and taking a backseat during the Coalition’s campaign against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

“The ultimate strength of the yes vote for marriage equality demonstrated that Australians overwhelmingly back concepts of equality and respect for each other, regardless of our differences. We must learn this lesson in all aspects of our work, but including in the pursuit of reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. We should strive to make Australians proud of having the oldest continuously living culture in the world,” he said.

“For all those on the harder edges of the left and the right who seek to divide our country, only make us weaker in our division, little is gained by culture wars, politicians obsessing over what happens in private bedrooms, or anyone seeking to override evidence based medical practice.”

In some final advice to his Senate colleagues - following a tumultuous few days - he said it was unnecessary to “target one another”.

“Every senator is afforded with remarkable privileges and a platform like no other in this nation to advance those issues important to you,” he said.

“Use those privileges to make the most of your platform and you will be amazed at what you can achieve without crossing the line.”

Government senate leader Penny Wong, a fellow South Australian, thanked him for his years of “integrity and respect”.

“Senator Birmingham is a thoroughly decent person, and I want to thank him personally for his constructive engagement,” she said.

She praised him for his ability to demonstrate “a commitment to rise above petty, personal politics”.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who was in the chamber as Senator Birmingham gave his speech, described him as a “thoroughly decent man”, who had served his party, state and country with “distinction” for almost two decades.

“The measure of Simon Birmingham is the high regard in which he is held across the political divide. His fierce intellect and calm demeanour have seen him engage in the battle of ideas in a manner that is persuasive, principled and respectful,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to the outgoing senator, saying he was respected across the parliament.

“I wish him all the very best,” he said.

Senator Birmingham was first elected in 2007, and after being appointed to cabinet by former prime minister Tony Abbott he held a series of portfolios during the Coalition’s years in government, as minister for education, trade, and finance.

He reflected on his achievements in the Gonski reforms and in cleaning up the vocational education sector.

As trade minister, Senator Birmingham was slapped with Beijing’s tariffs on a number of Australian products; and commenced trade agreements with the United Kingdom and regional partners.

He then served as finance minister during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In his speech, he admitted while the decisions they took “weren’t perfect”, he backed the Morrison government’s response to the pandemic.

“Our actions weren’t perfect. Nor, in such unprecedented times, was the information we had available to us, to base those decisions on, perfect. But on the whole, I am very confident that the Morrison government’s decisions saved many Australian lives and livelihoods,” he said.

Since May 2022, Senator Birmingham has been the Coalition’s spokesman for foreign affairs, and has strongly advocated for Australia to stand with Israel and strengthen its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.