# Outgoing Liberal MP Jonno Duniam Reflects on Exit from Politics
Liberal frontbencher Jonno Duniam announced his departure from Parliament, expressing mixed emotions about stepping away from his career in politics. The departing MP spoke candidly about feeling both guilt and relief as he prepares to leave office.
Duniam, who held a senior role in the Liberal Party, voiced concern about the current political landscape. He criticized the distance mainstream parties maintain from electoral pressures while negotiating deals with minor parties like One Nation. Duniam described such arrangements as "mad," suggesting that coalition-building with minor parties so far from an election cycle reflects problematic political calculation.
The interview with Michelle Grattan, conducted through The Conversation, gives insight into the mindset of mid-career politicians exiting Parliament. Duniam's comments point to broader tensions within the Coalition parties around minority government negotiations and political strategy.
His guilt appears rooted in stepping away from ministerial responsibilities during a period of political uncertainty. The relief factor suggests strain from parliamentary life and the demands of frontbench roles. Duniam's departure adds to recent turnover among experienced Coalition MPs and comes as Australian politics continues to shift following the 2022 federal election defeat.
The interview captures a moment of reflection from someone positioned inside the Liberal leadership structure. Duniam's candid remarks about One Nation negotiations highlight ongoing debate within conservative circles about dealmaking with minor parties and the costs of minority government scenarios in Australian politics.