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Tim Bull announces retirement ahead of November state election after 16 years in Parliament and ministerial service

East Gippsland MP announces retirement from November State Election after 16 years in Parliament, reflecting on service, gratitude to staff, colleagues, community, and commitment to continuing representation until stepping down.

By news@gippsland - 19th May 2026 - Back to News

Today, I announce that I will not be contesting the November State Election. It has been an incredible honour, and a significant chapter of my life, to represent the people of this region over the past 16 years, including 13 years serving on the front bench as a Minister and Shadow Minister.

Tim Bull announces that he will not contest the November State Election, concluding 16 years representing East Gippsland, while continuing to serve diligently until election day

Retirement announcement statement

Over the coming months leading up to the election, I will continue to represent the people of East Gippsland to the very best of my ability. My family and close friends - who have been a tremendous source of support - have known since the last election that this would likely be my final term. I have taken the time to ensure there were no second thoughts, and there are none.

I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional staff during my time in public office. I extend my sincere thanks to Gaynor, who has been with me from the beginning, along with Jess and Anthony, who have also provided long and dedicated service. I also acknowledge and thank all those who previously worked with me in both my electorate and ministerial offices.

My thanks also go to Peter Ryan, Peter Walsh and Danny O’Brien - the three National Party leaders I have served under - whose support and friendship I greatly value, along with that of my parliamentary colleagues past and present.

Public service farewell

East Gippsland is a wonderful place to live and work. While the region faces its share of challenging times through fires, floods and storms, those moments have always highlighted the very best of our community, with people coming together to support one another. It’s a privilege to represent such a resilient and caring region.

Politics is an arena where people will often hold very different views, and I understand not everyone agrees with all positions taken - that is simply the nature of public life. However, I have always tried to make decisions based on what I genuinely believed was in the best interests of the community.

As I step back from public life later this year, there are other interests and opportunities I look forward to pursuing - things that have been difficult to find time for while serving in Parliament. What lies ahead remains very much an open book, but I will continue to enjoy living in East Gippsland and being part of this community for many years to come.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.
• Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
  The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Latrobe City Council pushes for jobs, investment, housing and community safety during Victorian Parliament delegation
  Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• New Heart Morass watering infrastructure strengthens Gippsland Lakes wetland health and protects freshwater flows for future generations
  New watering infrastructure at Heart Morass enables controlled freshwater flows, reducing salinity and supporting wetland health, wildlife habitat and long-term resilience across the Gippsland Lakes.
• Morwell Rose Festival returns with blooms, aerial acrobatics, night lights, workshops and family entertainment from 6-7 November 2026
  Morwell Rose Festival returns for its ninth year in 2026, featuring thousands of roses, aerial performances, night lights, workshops, market stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.