Tony Smith, who won praise from all sides of Parliament for his fair approach to the Speaker’s role, will not contest the next election after serving as an MP for 20 years.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tony Smith, will leave Parliament at the next election in a surprise decision after a rare tenure in the position over more than two terms.
Mr Smith, who replaced Bronwyn Bishop as Speaker in August 2015, told constituents on Wednesday he would not contest the next election after holding the seat of Casey, in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, for two decades.
Speaker Tony Smith speaks with Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese during Question Time.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
After a great deal of thought and consideration, I have decided that this term as a Member of the House of Representatives will be my last, Mr Smith said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
I love our Parliament and serving the Australian people. I am honoured that the Liberal Party and the electors of Casey voted to give me this privilege for two decades.
However, I believe now is a good time to give the Liberal Party and the people of Casey the opportunity for renewal.
I also believe the time is now right for me to pursue other endeavours following the conclusion of this forty-sixth Parliament.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Mr Smith would be greatly missed for his wit and his ability to bring a lighter moment to a tense environment.
Authoritative and respected, he is a commanding presence in our Parliament and universally regarded as the most effective Speaker in decades, he said.