Dr David Gillespie Announces Retirement After 11 Years Representing Lyne

Dr David Gillespie MP, the long-serving Federal Member for Lyne, has announced he will retire at the next federal election, scheduled in just over seven months. The announcement marks the culmination of over a decade of dedicated service to regions including Port Stephens, Parts of Maitland, Great Lakes, Taree.

Championing Local Communities and Industries

Reflecting on his tenure since 2013, Dr Gillespie highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to significant achievements within the electorate. “Since that time, we have achieved a lot together,” he stated. “I’m particularly proud of the nine years during The Nationals’ term in government, in which our electorate secured record funding for so many projects throughout our region.”

Key accomplishments under his stewardship include:

• Taree Universities Campus: Over $10 million in capital and operational funding.
• Newcastle Airport: $130 million for runway upgrades and a new international terminal.
• Pacific Highway Upgrade: Secured 80% of funding for duplication projects totaling over $2.5 billion.
• Bucketts Way Upgrade: $41 million invested.
• Great Lakes Women’s Shelter: $1.3 million funding.
• Iron Arena Stadium in Taree: $12.9 million jointly funded.
• First Steps Count Child and Community Centre in Taree: $3.2 million investment.

In Parliament, Dr Gillespie used his platform to advocate for the community and local industries, working across party lines to improve Australians’ lives. His focus areas included energy policy, tax reform, infrastructure investment, support for primary industries and small businesses, competition policy, aged care, national security, social services, and reform of the Federation.

Serving as Minister for Regional Health from 2021 to 2022, he leveraged his medical background to develop policies aimed at building the medical and health workforce in regional areas. “I secured funding for a major expansion of the network of full-time medical schools and nursing and allied health campuses across regional Australia,” he noted.

As Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Nuclear Industries for the past five years, Dr Gillespie championed zero-emissions nuclear technology as a viable option for Australia’s future energy security. “I’m delighted that it has now become Coalition policy,” he added.

Dr Gillespie played a pivotal role in supporting the community through significant events such as the 2019/2020 bushfires, the 2021 floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic. “During these challenging events, I worked with our community and my parliamentary colleagues in Canberra to ensure we secured the support needed to respond and help us bounce back stronger,” he said.

Acknowledging the sacrifices made by his family, Dr Gillespie expressed his desire to spend more time with his wife Charlotte and their family. “As good as it is, the job has taken me away from home to Canberra for Parliament and across Australia as a Minister for well over half the year, each year, for over 11 years,” he shared.

He emphasised the importance of real-life experience in Parliament, stating, “Australia is at a crossroads, and we need more people in Parliament with real-life experience who are prepared to speak up in support of commonsense policies that work.”

Dr Gillespie assured constituents he would continue working diligently until the next election and collaborate closely with The Nationals’ next candidate. “I will work closely with the next Nationals candidate to ensure our region continues to receive strong representation and remains the focus of regional investment,” he affirmed.

The Nationals have initiated the preselection process for Lyne, with nominations closing in about three weeks. A preselection meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 7 December to determine the candidate who will contest the electorate.

Mayor Philip Penfold extended his gratitude, saying, “Thank you to Dr David Gillespie MP for your distinguished service to the Federal Electorate of Lyne (including Maitland north of the river). Today, David announced his retirement at the next federal election. Thank you for everything you have achieved, including for our mutual constituency in Maitland.”

A Legacy of Service

Before entering Parliament, Dr Gillespie had an illustrious medical career spanning 33 years, including 21 years as a specialist gastroenterologist and consultant specialist physician in Port Macquarie. His professional milestones include:

• Serving as Director of Physician Training at Port Macquarie Base Hospital (1995–2009).
• Instrumental in the hospital achieving accreditation by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
• Lecturing and tutoring at the University of New South Wales Medical School.
• Serving on the Commonwealth Medical Services Advisory Committee.

Parliamentary Contributions

Elected in 2013, Dr Gillespie held several ministerial positions:

• Minister for Regional Health (2021–2022)
• Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment (2021–2022)
• Assistant Minister for Children and Families (2017–2018)
• Assistant Minister for Health (2017)
• Assistant Minister for Rural Health (2016–2017)

He also contributed to numerous parliamentary committees focusing on health, environment, energy, and regional development.

In his closing remarks, Dr Gillespie thanked the people of the Lyne electorate, The Nationals party members, and his staff. “Thank you for your ongoing support,” he expressed. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the people of the Lyne electorate for their ongoing support.”

As Dr Gillespie prepares to embark on the next chapter of his life, his contributions leave a lasting impact on the Lyne electorate and Australian politics.