The Labor member for the Rockhampton-based electorate of Capricornia in Queensland has announced she will retire at the next election.
Livermore is a former union organiser and solicitor. She has held Capricornia for five elections since winning it in 1998 at the age of 28.
Whilst serving as a shadow parliamentary secretary for six years from 2001, Livermore was never given a post in the Rudd or Gillard governments.
At the 2010 election, Livermore secured 45.77% of the primary vote to 40.42% for the LNP candidate. There was an 8.40% swing against the ALP on the two-party-preferred vote. Livermore won 53.68% of the two-party vote.
Livermore’s departure is unlikely to assist the ALP to hold the seat.
Statement from Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
I pay tribute to my parliamentary colleague and friend, Kirsten Livermore MP, who has announced her retirement from politics after 15 years as Member for Capricornia.
Kirsten and I came into Parliament at the same time and have forged a strong friendship.