Today I have formally tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister from the position as Defence Minister and Leader of the Government in the Senate.
I will continue to represent the interests of the residents of South Australia as a Senator in the immediate future; however I intend to resign as a Senator some time during this next Parliamentary sitting period.
It has been a great honour to serve the Australian community as a Senator for nearly 25 years and as a Minister of the Australian Government for the past 10 years.
I am privileged to have been Defence Minister since November 2001 at a time when the Australian military has been heavily engaged in overseas operations and humanitarian relief efforts, including in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Solomon Island, Sudan and Indonesia.
I take this opportunity to thank my Cabinet and Senate colleagues and in particular the dedicated supporters of the Liberal Party who stuck by the cause during 13 years in Opposition.
I thank my family, friends and members of my Ministerial and personal staff who have made it possible for me to serve the Government for so many years.
I also thank the officers of the Department of Defence, the senior military leadership and officers of the Department of Environment and Heritage who I have worked closely with, for their dedicated service.
I will continue to work hard in support of the Howard Government, which has delivered and will continue to deliver the best opportunity for a safe and prosperous future for all Australians.
