Liberal Senate Leader Simon Birmingham Announces Retirement After 17 Years

The senior moderate will step down after the next election to pursue a new commercially oriented career.

Simon Birmingham, Opposition Senate leader and shadow foreign minister, will retire from politics after nearly 18 years in parliament.
The 50-year-old senator, known as a leading moderate in the Liberal Party, plans to pursue a new career outside lobbying, government relations, or commentary.
Birmingham served in key ministerial roles under multiple Coalition governments, including as minister for education, trade, and finance.
He played a pivotal role in securing trade agreements, supporting marriage equality, and maintaining bipartisan respect across political lines.
Michaelia Cash will replace Birmingham as Opposition Senate leader, with Anne Ruston stepping in as deputy leader.