‘Many highs and some unfortunate lows’: Nationals MP Keith Pitt quits politics with some parting pictures

Nationals MP Keith Pitt has introduced he’ll stop politics, implying his occasion had misplaced its “purpose” and blasting the Coalition’s determination to decide to internet zero.

Pitt, the Member for Hinkler, stated in a press release that he had informed colleagues he wouldn’t be contesting the 2025 election. He known as his time in politics “an incredible privilege … some extraordinary successes, many highs and some unfortunate lows”.

However in an interview with the Australian, Pitt was extra candid about his causes, telling the newspaper he and the occasion’s chief, David Littleproud, “have very different views on what’s the priority and direction for the Nationals”.

Pitt continued: “In my view, political parties without purpose soon disappear … I just think there’s been a shift in terms of policy positions that is sold as discipline but it’s more about obedience.”

Pitt additionally criticised Littleproud’s assist of the Coalition’s internet zero emissions targets, saying “green policies … have to be paid for” and that they’ve “there is literally zero impact on the temperature of the planet” whereas having “huge impacts on the wallets of regional people”.

A scientific consensus has discovered a pathway to internet zero by 2050 will stop the worst local weather harm as attributable to international human-caused emissions.

In a press release, Littleproud didn’t reply to Pitt’s criticisms, wishing the outgoing politician “all the best in his new endeavours”.

When requested in regards to the criticisms, the opposition chief, Peter Dutton, claimed Pitt was “frustrated” at not being given a frontbench promotion.

Pitt has been outspoken in his time in politics, each as a backbencher and in ministerial roles, most prominently as minister for assets beneath the Morrison authorities (sharing the portfolio for a time with Morrison himself).

The Hinkler MP had additionally been an agitator in opposition to the route of Littleproud’s management, with Pitt’s title bandied about as a possible challenger – or supporter of a problem – for the Nationals management for a while, together with backing Barnaby Joyce.

In his outgoing assertion, Pitt acknowledged some can be glad to see him go.

“While I know some will be disappointed, I’m sure my decision will be warmly welcomed by others. I wish Peter Dutton every success in 2025,” Pitt stated.

His assertion ended with a quote attributed to Martin Luther King: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Pitt is the newest Coalition MP to announce their retirement forward of the following election, becoming a member of Simon Birmingham, Paul Fletcher, Linda Reynolds, Karen Andrews, David Gillespie, Warren Entsch, Gavin Pearce and Rowan Ramsey.

Dutton informed Dawn that Pitt was “an incredibly smart guy”.

“He’s frustrated with being on the backbench, I understand that. He’s had a job offer in the private sector and he’s going to take that. He’s made an enormous contribution as a minister and as the member for Hinkler in Bundaberg,” he stated.

Matt Canavan, a Nationals senator, praised Pitt as “one of a few lonely voices calling out the insanity of our net zero emissions target”.

“Everyday [sic] that Australia loses more manufacturing jobs and gets higher energy prices vindicates Keith’s position,” Canavan wrote on X, alongside a photograph of the 2 males holding giant lumps of coal in a Parliament Home courtyard.

Birmingham informed Sky Information that the connection between the Liberals and Nationals was “pretty good” however that “there is always a bit of a tension point there”.

“I think it’s important that we never let the tail wag the dog, that the Liberal party stands up for itself and is clear in terms of its values and opinions, but I absolutely acknowledge the important role and place that the National party have.”