Terry Campese, a stalwart of rugby league, has resigned from the race for NSW state representative.
After former MP John Barilaro called a by-election in 2022, Campese was a Labor candidate for the Monaro seat near Canberra, which is now held by Nationals MP Nicole Overall.
Politics was not on the former Canberra Raiders captain’s agenda, he claimed.
“Until I was approached late last year and told of the difference a good member of parliament can make for the community, I had never considered being a politician,” Campese said.
“Across the past few months, I have enjoyed engaging in fascinating discussions about a variety of subjects with folks from all over the Monaro.
“I’m happy that despite the short time I had, I was able to move some of these conversations forward to pre-election commitments.”
Terry Campese in 2009, the year of his lone State of Origin participation.
He expressed gratitude to Labor members and volunteers for their help.
“Sadly, I’ve also come to realize that for some people, politics isn’t about standing up for the interests of others but rather about securing their own power and adopting a “win at any costs” mentality.
“I’m announcing today that I’ll be resigning as Labor’s candidate.
“Not because my heart isn’t in it, but rather because I care too much about our town to subject it to false reporting in the media.
“But I’ll keep doing the same kind of work my foundation and other organizations have been doing for the past ten years to give back to the community.
“Perhaps things will change in the future, and more residents of the town will volunteer to get active in politics.
It is evident that both New South Wales and our communities require a new beginning.
With 55.2% of the vote in the by-election, Nationals kept their seat.
