Stephen Conroy, Labor’s deputy Senate leader and one of Bill Shorten’s most valuable factional allies, is leaving politics.
Conroy has been in parliament since 1996, serving on the Labor frontbench predominantly in the communications portfolio. Conroy has told colleagues he wants to spend more time with his wife Paula and daughter Isabella.
His departure from politics comes in the middle of continuing controversy over the police investigation into leaks from the NBN Co, which are the subject of investigation by the privileges committee.
Conroy, who was returned at the 2 July election for a new six-year term, did not telegraph his intentions to most colleagues before tabling a valedictory speech in the Senate late on Thursday evening.
Shorten, in Canada visiting prime minister Justin Trudeau, released a statement on Friday heaping praise on Conroy. He said he had spoken to him and respected the decision to spend more time with his family.
Conroy, with the Victorian left powerbroker Kim Carr, maintains a stability pact which has been critical to underpinning Shorten’s leadership of the ALP.
In his farewell speech, Conroy paid tribute to Carr, whom he characterised as a “much maligned, a passionate advocate for unfashionable economic policies – but a Labor warrior”.
“If there was a tough battle in the Senate and you needed a wingman, you would always want Kim Carr next to you,” Conroy said.
“People have always misunderstood our relationship. It is based on two simple things, trust and mutual respect. In the 25 years I have worked with, fought with and struggled together with, Kim Carr has never broken his word to me. In any walk of life that is the measure of a man.”
Conroy has known Shorten since 1986. In his valedictory, Conroy said of their relationship: “We have been friends, rivals and frenemies.
“He should never be underestimated. Malcolm Turnbull learned that on 2 July this year. Tony Abbott learned it on 14 September last year. The Canberra press gallery has still not learned it but they will.”
The resignation blindsided Labor’s acting leader, Tanya Plibersek, on Friday, and NSW frontbencher Anthony Albanese was peppered with questions at a press conference later in the morning.
Albanese said he had spoken to Conroy during the morning and was “certainly not surprised” by his decision.
“I know that the greatest joy in Stephen’s life has been the arrival of [daughter] Bella and he will now have more time to spend with his wife and daughter. That is what he wants to do. That is a personal decision. He is perfectly entitled to make that decision,” he said.
Conroy’s wife Paula, a survivor of ovarian cancer, was left unable to have children. In 2006 the couple embarked on what was then an Australian first, conceiving their daughter via a surrogate mother and an egg donor.
In his valedictory, Conroy cited as one of the factors driving him to exit politics “the intangibles – coping with the coverage in the media, especially as the 24/7 media cycle has changed the nature of political discourse”.
“Noting the glances and scowls as you walk down the street together. Explaining to my young daughter why people have shouted abuse at her daddy in the street. Being immediately judged as you explain what your partner does or who he is based on the media image.
“I’m sure you would all agree that there should be a special place in hell for those who judge women based on their spouse’s work. Paula has remained steadfast in her support for me while maintaining her own career, but it is [for] the incredible job she has done in raising our beautiful daughter Isabella while I have been absent that I owe her an undying debt of gratitude.”
In his statement on Friday Shorten thanked Conroy for his “tireless contribution to our party and the nation”.
He cited Conroy’s achievements including “his vision for a first-rate, fibre National Broadband Network for Australia” and furthering the public interest through his “formidable presence on both sides of the estimates table”.
“I have spoken to Stephen and he told me he has decided it is time to put his wife and daughter who he loves so much first, I admire and respect his decision.”
Shorten described Conroy as one of his oldest friends, a fearless provider of good advice and “a fiercely loyal champion of the Labor party, who has never lacked the courage to do things his own way”.
Conroy was shadow special minister of state until his resignation. This week, the joint standing committee on electoral matters has launched a fresh inquiry into Australia’s donations and disclosure regime.
As his resignation takes immediate effect, Shorten will have to replace Conroy in the shadow ministry and appoint a new deputy Senate leader before parliament resumes.
Labor will also have to replace Conroy in the Senate. Conroy is understood to be bound for a corporate job.