Updated: Finance minister Lindsay Tanner, to quit

Minister responsible for whole-of-government IT consolidation and Gov 2.0 to stand down following next Federal election

One of the key figures behind the implementation of recommendations in the Gershon Report, Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, has announced he will not contest his seat at the next election.

Tanner announced his decision during question time in the House of Representatives on 24 June 2010.

"Recently I advised Prime Minister Kevin Rudd that I did not intend to contest the forthcoming election. He asked me to reconsider my decision, and I agreed to talk further with him at the conclusion of the Parliamentary session. We were scheduled to discuss this matter at 9:30am today. My intention was to advise him that my decision had not changed, and to seek to announce it later today," Tanner said in a statement.

"After this morning’s Caucus meeting, I advised incoming Prime Minister Julia Gillard of my decision. I indicated to her that I was willing to serve in my present role until the election, but that I would accept whatever decision she chose to make on that question.

"My decision is absolutely unrelated to the events of the last twenty-four hours, and is entirely related to personal considerations. I will continue to work as hard as I can for the re-election of the Government, which has been a very good government, and will continue to be a very good government. I will also work as hard as I can to ensure that Labor retains the seat of Melbourne."

Tanner added he had no jobs lined up post his government role, but intended to pursue academic and business opportunities.

As part of the finance portfolio, Tanner is responsible for the Australian Government Information Office (AGIMO), which has looked after various IT consolidation projects as a result of the Gershon report, including a whole-of-government data centre strategy and telecommunications.

The office has also lead the charge in e-government engagement as a result of the Gov 2.0 Taskforce report.

Tanner was also expected to make a declaration of open government, as flagged by Labor senator, Kate Lundy.

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Comments

1

Rod

Tue 29/06/2010 - 19:20

Sorry to learn that Mr Tanner will not be federal parliament after the next election, remember Mr Tanner, 'evil can succeed only if good men do nothing'. Mr Tanner has given a lot to the Australian people and I hope that someone else as capable as him will step up to the plate and keep the bastards honest.

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