Queensland Minister for Tourism, Sport and Olympics Stirling Hinchliffe to step down

Stirling Hinchliffe, Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement has announced that he is to retire from politics.

The MP told the Queensland Parliament yesterday that he would not seek preselection for the October 2024 election, calling time on his career 17 years after he was first elected.

Saying that serving parliament and the people of Queensland had been the greatest honour of his life, Minister Hinchcliffe stated “my wife Megan has put my pursuit of my political life and this parliamentary and ministerial service ahead of things she may wanted to have done for long enough

"After October of next year, it will be her turn to make the call.”

Minister Hinchcliffe, aged 52, was elected to the seat of Stafford in 2006, but lost his seat in 2012.

He returned to Parliament as member for Sandgate at the 2015 election.

Commenting on Minister Hinchliffe’s announcement, Andrew Hopper, Director-General of the Queensland Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport advised “on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Minister on what will be 15 years of service to the people of Queensland as an elected official.

“There is no doubt he has always worn his heart on his sleeve. His passion for basketball is no secret, but it has been overshadowed by his tireless work as a Parliamentarian. He has been passionate about his local community, he has been passionate about every portfolio he has held, and above all, he has been passionate about achieving the best outcomes for Queensland.

“He has been an excellent Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport, and he carries enormous respect across Governments.

“While Mr Hinchliffe’s retirement will be a loss for our state, we are fortunate that he will remain as our Minister until the next election in 12 months’ time.

“On behalf of the Department, I would like to wish him, his wife Megan and their children all the best on the next chapter of their lives once his retirement from Parliament takes effect.”

Image: Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, Stirling Hinchliffe, supporting the Matildas. Credit: Queensland Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.