Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Grierson will retire at the end of this term.
Ms Grierson cited family and personal reasons behind her decision not to contest the seat at the 2013 Federal election.
“This has been a difficult decision. There is no greater privilege or honour than to represent the people of this great city in the Australian Parliament,” Ms Grierson said.
“But at this time it is time for me to plan for the future at the personal and political level.”
Ms Grierson was the first woman to be elected into the Federal seat of Newcastle and has held the seat since 2001.
She is due to hold a press conference at 10:30.
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