The Member for Riverstone and Leader of the House, the Hon John Aquilina MP, has announced that he will not recontest the State Election to be held on March 26, 2011.
Mr Aquilina said that he was honoured and privileged to have been able to represent the people of NSW as the Member for Blacktown between 1981 and 1991, and as the Member for Riverstone since 1991.
“As the longest serving member in the NSW Parliament, and Father of the House, I feel very humble that during this period, extending for almost three decades, I have had such outstanding opportunities,” Mr Aquilina said.
“Having lived in Blacktown since the age of 12, with the exception of two years of country service as a teacher when I graduated from University, I have always been able to maintain a grass-roots relationship with the people whom I serve.
“I see my career as yet another example of the outstanding opportunities which Australia is able to provide.
“My father and mother migrated to Australia from Malta with me and my younger brother so that we would have the opportunity to obtain the education that they were denied, and so as not to have to endure the threat of poverty.
“Not only was I able to obtain an education, but the opportunities of this great country enabled me to become a high school teacher and eventually the Minister for Education and Training for a period spanning more than six and a half years.
“I take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to my entire family, who been totally supportive of the way of life we have lived during this period of time, to my staff, both past and present, and most importantly, to my constituents who have elected me on eight occasions and have placed their trust and faith in my abilities, and in my endeavours on their behalf.