The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bronwyn Bishop, today reported to the House that she had received the resignation of Kevin Rudd as member for Griffith.
Rudd’s resignation was received on November 22. Under Section 37 of the Constitution, a member may resign in writing to the Speaker.
Parliamentary practice and convention requires that the Speaker inform the House of resignations and other matters relating to the operation of the chamber.
Rudd’s departure brings a formal end to a parliamentary career that began in 1998 and included two periods as Prime Minister.
Under Section 33 of the Constitution, the Speaker is empowered to issue a writ for the by-election to fill the vacancy in Griffith. In practice, the government will decide when it wishes to hold the by-election.
The by-election is most likely to be held in early February, prior to the first sitting of the House for 2014. A period of 33 days must elapse following the issue of the writ before the poll can take place.
- Listen to Bishop’s announcement (28s)
- Watch Bishop (38s)
