Long-standing MP calls it a day

Long-standing MP calls it a day

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Member for Thornlie Chris Tallentire MP (right) with Minister for Training and Workforce Simone McGurk awaiting the arrival of the Prime Minister last week. Photograph – Richard Polden.

Thornlie MLA Chris Tallentire will not be recontesting the seat at the March 2025 State election.

He said he looked back on his parliamentary career with pride and was considering entering the environmental consulting world.

“From the early days of opposition, I have advocated for the extension of the Thornlie train line to Cockburn, so it’s especially exciting to see the project approaching its final year of construction,” he said.

He said the multicultural nature of the electorate was one of its great features.

“I’m delighted to see how the whole community has come to embrace our diversity, recognising the contribution to WA made by people who were not born here,” he said.

“I’ve been thrilled to see investment in the repair and conservation of the Canning River, so that it can truly be a recreational and natural environmental asset.”

He said cycling had become a major part of his life and was the best way to commute.

“So, I’m very proud of the Government’s investment in cycle paths and other cycling infrastructure,” he said.

“It’s an honour to be part of Western Australia’s growing cycling culture, with huge participation rates at cycling events like Seven and Tour of Margaret River and on our beautiful trails like the Munda Biddi.

“By being on a bike, we all have the chance to share in the joy of a sport in which, on the international stage, Western Australians truly excel.”

He said the Government had handled the pandemic well.

“There’s a lesson here: when community and decision-makers work together, spectacular results can be achieved,” he said.

“As the Member for Thornlie, there’s much work to be done in my remaining days in Parliament, including advocating for a major rebuild of Thornlie Senior High School.

“Most importantly, I will continue to work with my parliamentary colleagues on how we tackle the problem of climate change.”

Mr Tallentire has represented the Gosnells and Thornlie areas since 2008.