Brad Hazzard resigns: Health minister leaves NSW politics

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has announced that he will retire from politics in the 2023 state election after leading the state amid the pandemic health crisis.

Mr. Hazzard was the last of the five Cabinet members to announce that he was resigning before the next election.

The 71-year-old reflected on the “many agonizing nights” of the pandemic, which he described as “a grueling and deeply frustrating time to make quick decisions to try and protect 8.5 million people from the virus.”

The minister has become a household name and a constant presence during the pandemic as he, along with Dr. Kerry Chant and Gladys Berejiklian, broke the Covid-19 health news daily.

“The worst times have come with COVID-19,” Mr. Hazzard said in a statement released late Monday night.

“All I can say to the NSW community is that everyone has gone above and beyond to keep you safe.”

The longest-serving member of the lower house thanked his wife and family, as well as his staff, in a statement announcing his decision.

Mr Hazzard highlighted his family’s support, “especially during the last three years caused by Covid.”

Prime Minister Dominic Perrotte thanked Mr Hazzard for “his relentless commitment to serving the people of New South Wales”, saying the state “is in a better position thanks to Brad’s significant contributions”.

“I fully understand that after over thirty years of senior public service, now is the perfect time for Brad to focus on his family, friends, and his health and well-being,” Mr. Perrotte said.

“I formally express my gratitude to Brad’s family and friends for their support in his long political career.”

Mr. Hazzard joins Transportation Secretary David Elliott, Cities Secretary Rob Stokes, Customer Service Secretary Victor Dominello and Corrections Secretary Jeff Lee in announcing they will step down in the next election.

Mr. Hazzard spent more than 30 years in public politics after being elected MP for Wakehurst in 1991.

He entered the Cabinet in 2011 when he was appointed Secretary of State for Planning and Infrastructure and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister in the government of Barry O’Farrell.

He was then sworn in as Attorney General and Attorney General in Byrd’s cabinet.

Following the resignation of Mike Baird, Mr Hazzard was sworn in as Secretary of Health effective January 2017.

Originally published as NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has announced his retirement from politics.