Gray to stand down from Brand seat after nine years

Gareth McKnight

Long-term Member for Brand Gary Gray has announced he will not recontest his seat at the upcoming Federal election, stepping down after nine years.

The 57-year-old holds one of only three Labor Federal seats in WA and informed his electorate of the decision to resign last night.

The news comes on the back of the retirement of fellow Labor members Melissa Parke and Alannah McTiernan, who will not recontest the seats of Fremantle and Perth respectively.

Mr Gray released a statement thanking Federal Labor leader Bill Shorten and State contemporaries Mark McGowan, Paul Papalia, David Templeman and Roger Cook.

“After 41 years of continuous membership, seven years as national secretary and nine years in the Federal Parliament, I am pleased to say it’s time for renewal and regeneration,” he said.

“I thank the people of Rockingham, Kwinana and Mandurah for their support and goodwill throughout a wonderful period in Parliament.”

Mr Gray confirmed he had offered his resignation but would serve in “whatever capacity Bill Shorten seeks of me” until the election later in 2016.

He succeeded retired Labor member Kim Beazley in the Brand seat in 2007.

During his time in office, Mr Gray held a number of different roles including Minister for Resources and Energy, Tourism and Small Business.

Labor leader Mr Shorten praised the outgoing MP late on Wednesday.

“Gary has served Labor with the utmost decency and distinction for 42 years: as a member, long-serving Labor official and a conscientious MP and minister,” he said.

“Gary spoke softly, but his words carried great weight. Like so many of my colleagues, I put a very high value on his counsel.”

Mr Gray’s decision comes as a blow for Labor, who will give careful consideration in coming weeks before announcing a new candidate to contest the seat.