Former Canberra Liberals leader, Alistair Coe, who stepped down as leader after the Liberals failed to win the 2020 ACT election in October, has announced he will be resigning from the Legislative Assembly in March, although unsure “what the future has in store”.
Mr Coe has represented the electorates of Ginninderra and Yerrabi since 2008.
“In the weeks since the 2020 election, I’ve had the opportunity to contemplate my future,” he said. “ I am proud of what I have achieved and my commitment to the ACT over the past 12 years.
“Whilst I am not sure what the future has in store for me, my passion for Canberra and the Liberals remains strong.”
Mr Coe paid tribute to his family and colleagues.
“I am very grateful to Yasmin, Angus and Annabel for the sacrifices they have made to support me on this journey.
“I have served with wonderful colleagues in the Assembly and I am optimistic about the future of the Canberra Liberals under the leadership of Elizabeth Lee and Giulia Jones.
“I am also very appreciative to the President of the Canberra Liberals, John Cziesla, the Director, Josh Manuatu, and the entire Party for their ongoing endorsement and support.
“I thank the people of Ginninderra and Yerrabi for choosing me to be their local member for the past 12 years.
“I will leave the Assembly after the Estimates hearings allowing time for the casual vacancy to be filled before the March sitting of the Assembly,” Mr Coe said.
Canberra Liberals Leader Elizabeth Lee thanked Mr Coe “for his service to our community”.
“He has been a formidable member of the Legislative Assembly for the past 12 years and a loyal member of the Liberal Party for the past 20 years,” Ms Lee said.
“Alistair has been a steadfast advocate for those in our community who are being left behind; vulnerable Canberrans, the working poor, and Canberrans struggling to afford their own home.
“Alistair has also been a great friend to our multicultural and faith communities, with a long history of outreach, advocacy and representation on their behalf.”
Ms Lee said it has been a pleasure to work with him.
“I have learnt much from his leadership and he will be sorely missed – not only as an outstanding local member but as a colleague, confidante and friend. Canberra is richer for his service to our great city. I have no doubts that his contributions to Canberra and the Liberal Party will continue beyond his life in the Assembly.
“I thank Alistair’s family; wife Yasmin and Angus and Annabel for the sacrifices they have made in sharing Alistair with the Canberra Liberals and Canberra. I wish him and his family all the best for their next chapter,” she said.
ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury acknowledged Mr Coe’s contribution to the Assembly, complementing his attention to detail, willingness to work through contested discussions, and commitment to Canberra’s multicultural community.
Alistair has shown a real dedication to his community and the issues he has championed since he entered the Assembly in 2008,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“While we often disagreed heartily about issues, Alistair represented his beliefs and his constituency in a genuine and heartfelt manner.
“Being elected as a representative of our community is a privilege and a large responsibility that requires great deal of time, work and dedication. On behalf of the ACT Greens, we wish Mr Coe and his family the best as he closes this chapter.”
