Richard Torbay will resign his Northern Tablelands seat today, ending 14 years in the NSW Parliament.
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“My intention always was to leave the state seat this year but have brought it forward,” he said.
“I have enjoyed my years in public life serving the communities of the Northern Tablelands.
“Their support for me has been overwhelming and heart-warming and I thank them for it.
“We have achieved some great things together and I will always cherish the friendships I have made and the interaction I have had with people during my time as MP.”
Mr Torbay said the downside of politics was the continual strain on family and private life.
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Click the photo to hear ordinary Australians delivering their verdict on Richard Torbay's shock resignation from politics.
“It is demanding and time consuming to do the job properly and given the events of recent days and the toll it has taken on my family I feel the time has come to consider other options,” he said.
“My wife Rosemary, my children and my extended family have always been extremely supportive during my time in politics.
“They are my priority and I strongly believe that now is the time for them and they have encouraged me to make this decision.”
Mr Torbay said his electorate office would remain open and all enquiries should be directed to that office.
Meanwhile, the University of New England has issued a statement that Mr Torbay will be standing down from his role as chancellor, effective immediately.
The University of New England's Chancellor Richard Torbay has announced he is standing down from his position, effective immediately.
Mr Torbay had previously announced that he would step down on April 19, but the date has been brought forward.
Vice-shancellor Jim Barber said he respected Mr Torbay's decision and was grateful for his efforts as Chancellor over the past four and a half years.
"Richard's long association with UNE dates back to 1980 when he took up a position at UNE Union, later becoming the CEO.
"I want to thank Richard for his counsel during my time as Vice-Chancellor and for his strong leadership of Council, which has guided UNE into the healthy financial position in which it finds itself today.
"Richard has served on the UNE Council with distinction since 1996 before being elected Chancellor in 2008.
"I wish Richard all the best in his future endeavors."
A new chancellor will be elected at the UNE Council's meeting on April 18, as originally planned.
