NSW politics: Health minister and face of Covid pandemic Brad Hazzard will retire at 2023 election

One of Australia’s most seen faces during the Covid-19 pandemic will retire from politics in the next state election.

NSW Health Secretary Brad Hazzard announced Monday night that it was time for a fresh start after 32 years in politics, including more than a decade on the front bench of Cabinet.

The longtime member of Wakehurst on Sydney’s northern beaches is the second minister in 24 hours and the fifth in recent months to announce he will not be contesting a new four-year term.

Mr Hazzard, 71, is best known for fronting press conferences on a daily basis to keep NSW informed about the Covid crisis, along with then Prime Minister Gladys Berejiklian and chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant.

“As NSW’s health minister, it’s been the best of times and the worst of times,” Hazzard said.

“The worst times came with COVID-19. When the pandemic started, we braced ourselves for an expected 25,000 deaths in NSW in the first year.

“There were many anxious nights. What followed was a grueling and deeply disturbing time when quick decisions had to be made to try and protect 8.5 million people from the virus.”

The best times, he said, were working with “incredibly talented medical and non-medical staff in our health system” and delivering nearly 200 new hospitals and health facilities.

“This period of political life has been very demanding,” he said.

“As my staff pointed out, Victoria has had four health ministers at that time, and Queensland and Tasmania three.”

The decriminalization of abortion in 2019 was another proud highlight.

“Working with colleagues across the political divide to rectify the antiquated evils of potential criminalization of women and doctors who made the difficult decision to have an abortion was another important moment for me,” Mr Hazzard said.

He thanked his wife Nicole and his family for their support, “especially over the past three Covid-challenged years” and paid tribute to his election and ministerial staff.

The former teacher and lawyer has been Wakehurst’s seat since 1991 and is currently the longest-serving member of the NSW House of Representatives.

During Sydney’s four-month lockdown, Brad Hazzard (left) was one of the faces of the state of the pandemic alongside then Prime Minister Gladys Berejiklian

He has been in the cabinet since the coalition’s landslide victory in the 2011 elections, including as attorney general and minister of planning, justice, social housing, community services and finally health.

NSW Prime Minister Dominic Perrottet described Mr Hazzard as a “tireless and dedicated advocate for people across our state.”

“Our state is a better place thanks to Brad’s significant contribution,” he said.

“Our state has undoubtedly benefited from Brad’s invaluable experience, commitment and advice during the pandemic and beyond.

“Brad’s legacy is a health system that every other state in Australia would envy, with investment and support at record levels.”

Brad Hazzard (pictured in 2000) says it’s time for a fresh start after 32 years in politics

Hazzard is the fifth current minister within months to announce his retirement, joining David Elliott, Rob Stokes, Victor Dominello and Geoff Lee in the mass exodus along with a host of current Liberal MPs.

Former NSW Health Secretary Elizabeth Koff also paid tribute to Mr Hazzard’s ‘extraordinary contribution’, but admits she had doubts when he first took over the health care portfolio.

“It would be fair to say that his reputation preceded him as a defiant and demanding minister,” she told The Daily Telegraph.

“I don’t think he got the name Battleship Hazzard for nothing, because he’s a formidable character.”

Brad Hazzard (pictured right with NSW Prime Minister Dom Perrottet) is the fifth NSW minister within months to announce they are retiring from politics