Australia’s Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Jonno Duniam, has announced he will leave federal politics later this year.
The Tasmanian Liberal senator said the decision was driven primarily by family considerations and a desire to spend more time with his wife and three children after years in public life. Duniam revealed he had been considering the move for some time and had discussed it with Opposition Leader Angus Taylor several weeks before making the announcement public.
The 43-year-old has served in the federal parliament since 2016 and has held several senior opposition portfolios, most recently overseeing home affairs and immigration policy. His departure will trigger a reshuffle of the Coalition’s shadow ministry.
While Duniam said family considerations were the primary reason for his departure, he acknowledged that the Liberal Party’s recent leadership change had been “exhausting” and had “started to really wear on” him.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor praised Duniam’s contribution to the party and parliament, describing him as a dedicated and hardworking colleague. Government ministers also paid tribute, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke calling Duniam one of the Coalition’s most capable performers despite their political differences.
Duniam’s announcement comes as the Liberal Party continues rebuilding after its election defeat and recent leadership change. His departure follows the retirement announcement of fellow Tasmanian Liberal senator Wendy Askew, further reducing the party’s experienced ranks in Tasmania.
Although he plans to remain in parliament until later this year, Duniam’s exit will leave a significant vacancy in the Coalition’s home affairs and immigration team as the opposition continues developing its policy platform ahead of the next federal election.
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