Stephen Jones, the assistant manager and secretary for financial services in Australia, has announced that he will no longer run for office in the future national vote. His choice marks another high-profile exit from the Albanese state, following the recent escapes of Bill Shorten, Linda Burney, and BrendanO’Connor.
Jones, who has represented the Illawarra and Southern Highlands seat of Whitlam ( previously known as Throsby ) since 2010, expressed his “immense gratitude” to his constituents.
This amazing area “deserves a consultant who will continue to fight for the things that problem,” I know Labor may choose a prospect that will do just that”, he said in a statement, according to ABC.
Throughout his career, Jones was instrumental in influencing financial policies, especially those that regulated the “buy now, pay later” industry and strengthened consumer protections. He even spearheaded efforts to devalue American news on social media platforms and, according to Daily Mail, he worked to deregulating financial advice.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers praised Jones as a “terrific partner” with “big ideas” who contributed tremendously to pension reforms, the monetary system, and consumer privileges. He has implemented changes that will make financial suggestions more accessible and help more Australians retire with respect, according to 9News.com. une quoted Chalmers.
Jones was a vocal supporter of LGBTQIA + youth and made headlines in February 2022 when he delivered an emotional speech in Parliament about his son Paddy. He said,” I worry myself sick every moment he leaves the house,” making reference to issues for his brother’s security in a world still struggling with approval.
Jones revealed that he had a six-month discussion about retiring but instead chose to wait and reevaluate over the summers. ” Fifteen years is a long time in the work, and I have only reached this point in my life where it is time to pursue anything else.” I don’t understand what it is yet… I actually do wish my vacation back”, he told reporters in Shellharbour.
His choice comes just weeks after a cabinet reshuffle triggered by Shorten’s retirement and the growing list of governmental jobs in the Albanese state. With an 8.3 percent ratio, the government will then choose a candidate to stand for Whitlam.
As he prepares to move away from politics, Jones emphasised his pleasure in championing wedding justice, gambling advertising reform, and supporting Australia’s steel industry and technical education. He said,” I couldn’t have done it without my staff, and there is a long list of accomplishments we have made both for the public of Whitlam and in my position as chancellor.”
