Chris Hayes went into politics as a good man, and after almost 20 years in Canberra he will retire with his reputation completely intact.
Yesterday, the chief opposition whip stood up in the parliament to announced he would not be a candidate at the next election, which is due in 2022.
Very few had heard of this Campbelltown resident when he won Labor Party preselection to replace Mark Latham in Werriwa in 2005.
But those who knew him had no doubt Labor had made a very good choice.
Chris Hayes worked hard to make Werriwa as safe as possible for Labor.
However his reward was getting shafted to allow the party to parachute Laurie Ferguson into Werriwa, an announcement which caused outrage in the Campbelltown community.
Hayes was told he either moved to another seat or else, so he reluctantly stood for Fowler, based around Fairfield and Cabramatta.
As testimony to his honest, hard working credentials, Chris Hayes will leave Fowler as a Labor fortress, with a margin of 17 percent, more than double when he inherited the seat in 2010.
“Since the Werriwa by-election in 2005, I have had the privilege of serving in the Federal Parliament for the past sixteen years,’’ he said yesterday.
“I transferred to Fowler in 2010, one of the most multicultural electorates in the nation.
“The people of Fowler have been very kind to me and indeed very patient while I learnt and understood the various customs and traditions of this diverse community.
“I’ve always revelled in the colour and vibrance of the local community.
“I firmly believe that being an MP is not a job, but a privilege.
“The fact is, I feel that I am slowing down and my health issues have regrettably been on public display, so I believe it is in the best interest of my community to make way for someone with the energy and commitment to champion the needs of Fowler.
“Be assured that I will continue to represent the local community to the best of my ability up until the next election and my office will still provide the same level of service, should you need it.’’
