Liberal frontbencher Jonno Duniam has announced his intention to leave federal politics before the end of the year, citing the recent leadership change within the party as a key factor in his decision. Duniam, who serves as the opposition home affairs spokesman and has been regarded as a rising talent, described the leadership transition that saw Angus Taylor replace Susan Ley as exhausting and draining.

The Tasmanian senator indicated that he had been considering his departure since the Coalition’s defeat in 2022. He explained that the leadership upheaval earlier this year crystallised his resolve to step down, noting the combined pressures of internal party challenges and his personal energy levels. “It was a difficult time for our party,” Duniam said, referencing his recent involvement in areas such as the party’s net zero stance and the response to the Bondi Beach massacre, both of which demanded considerable effort.

Duniam revealed he had supported Andrew Hastie internally as a potential leader last year but expressed confidence in Angus Taylor’s policies to help the Liberals regain voter support. Despite this, he becomes the first frontbencher to publicly confirm he will not contest the next election under Taylor’s leadership.

The senator also addressed the growing presence of One Nation in Tasmania, warning that the party poses a serious threat to Labor’s hold on Senate seats in the state. He highlighted that Pauline Hanson’s party, boosted by the local profile of Hanson’s daughter Lee Hanson, is “a serious and credible potential” to win a Senate seat. However, Duniam cautioned against prematurely entertaining preference deals with One Nation, emphasizing the need for the Liberal Party to maintain a clear focus on policy and relevance to Tasmanian voters.

This stance contrasts with some voices within the party. Fellow shadow cabinet member Phil Thompson recently indicated a willingness to collaborate broadly to unseat Labor, suggesting a more pragmatic approach to potential alliances.

Duniam has served in federal parliament for a decade and spent a total of 25 years in politics. His retirement follows that of fellow Tasmanian Liberal senator Wendy Askew, marking a significant turnover for the party’s Senate representation from Tasmania, which currently lacks lower house MPs.

He plans to remain in his role temporarily to finalise the party’s immigration policy, including decisions on skilled migration, international students, and setting net overseas migration targets. Duniam also cited family considerations as a major factor in his departure, expressing the difficulty of balancing parliamentary responsibilities with being present for his three sons during their formative years. He noted that his wife has borne much of the burden in his absence, underscoring the personal nature of his decision to step back from politics.