Long-serving Labor senator Kim Carr has announced his time in the upper house has come to its end after nearly three decades.
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The Victorian senator, who has served since 1993 granting him the title of "Father of the Senate", announced on Sunday morning he would not seek re-endorsement on the state's ticket in the upcoming federal election.
Senator Carr said he wanted to continue his run in the upper house but issues with his health, and the recent tragic death of his Senate colleague, Kimberley Kitching, had made him reassess.
His children had also urged him to reconsider his priorities, he added.
"I am proud of the achievements of my team over nearly three decades," he said in a statement.
"With the staff who have worked for and with me, we have, I believe, made a difference for many people in the science, industry, innovation, higher education and research sectors, and the many groups and individuals who have sought our advice and assistance throughout Victoria, and even beyond."
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Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese thanked the senator for being a "tireless advocate" for Labor and for his time as a minister during the Rudd and Gillard governments.
"Kim has always been a passionate and resolute campaigner for the Labor Party and the union movement's push to ensure workers' rights at work are respected," Mr Albanese said on Sunday.
"I wish Kim, Carole [his wife] and their family all the best for their future."
Senator Carr's exit comes after a tumultuous few weeks for Victoria's Labor factions following the sudden death of Senator Kitching.
The veteran powerbroker's position on the Victorian Senate ticket was under threat after rumours he had rank-and-file backing and union support within the party's Left faction.
The preselection delays stemmed from a bitter fight for control over the state branch after it was taken over by the party's national executive, following a major branch-stacking scandal revealed in 2020.
It's expected former Australian Services Union executive Linda White will replace Senator Carr's spot on the ticket for the election.
Sarah Basford Canales
I'm a federal politics and public sector reporter with an interest in national security, integrity and regulation. Contact me with general tips and thoughts at sarah.basfordcanales@canberratimes.com.au or confidential tips to sbasfordcanales@protonmail.com.
I'm a federal politics and public sector reporter with an interest in national security, integrity and regulation. Contact me with general tips and thoughts at sarah.basfordcanales@canberratimes.com.au or confidential tips to sbasfordcanales@protonmail.com.
