Ramsey to retire at next election

On Monday, Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey announced he would retire at the next election, following a more than 17-year stint in the role.

His retirement is expected to trigger a keen pre-selection battle for what is considered to be a Liberal safe seat.

Mr Ramsey said the decision to step down from the role was a tough one as he was still enthusiastic about the job.

"It's with mixed feelings and there are still things to be done," he said.

"However, I am aware my 'piece of string' has a definite if undetermined length and consequently, with my wife Teresa, who has been such an important support, we have decided it is time to tackle the next chapter of our lives."

Highlights throughout his career include championing investment in the electorate's road network, renewing the dog fence and seeing the Country of Origin food labelling implemented.

"I was pleased to have successfully fought for the Cashless Debit Card in Ceduna which changed and saved lives," he said.

"(And) the National Radioactive Waste Management Deposit in Kimba only, much to my disgust, for both of these projects to be abandoned by the current government."

Mr Ramsey said the doubling of Farm Management Deposits, air-strip upgrades, uni-hubs, more than $55m of Stronger Regions Programs, a very significant expansion in the number of mobile phone towers, settling outstanding compensation claims for defence compulsory acquisition, securing constant glucose monitors for T1 diabetics were just some of the top priority issues for him that had born fruit.

"Grey is an electorate unlike any other in Australia," he said.

"There are aspects of the electorate with huge differences between them - from remote indigenous communities, to the mining industry, agriculture, tourism regions like the Flinders Ranges, steelworks, wine grapes and more.

"I has been my pleasure to learn and gain a wealth of experience from Grey."

While his victories in parliament were important, Mr Ramsey said one of his biggest takeaways from his career was the opportunity to meet members of his electorate that he would not otherwise interact with.

"People have shared the very best and worst of their lives with me as if I was a family member," he said.

"With such a vast region to cover, it's important the next member is in it for the long haul as I think we are best served by someone who can foster these relationships and accumulate knowledge of the electorate over many years."

Mr Ramsey said he would miss the intensity and mental challenge of the job, but it was time.

"I will be forever grateful for the opportunity and support provided by the Liberal Party and particularly to the electors of Grey for entrusting me with the responsibility to represent them over such a long period," he said.

"I also owe a great debt of gratitude to a fantastic staff, a number of who have been with me for most of the journey. We will keep working with the same dedication until the election is called."

Looking ahead, Mr Ramsey said there were plenty of things on his agenda during retirement.

"My wife and I have two children in Victoria and another in Adelaide with a grandchild," he said.

"We've got some traveling to do and some property maintenance as well.

"I used to work with my hands before I took on the job and I anticipate I'll be going back to working with my hands on a more regular basis."

The next federal election will be held on or before September 27, 2025.