Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has announced he will retire at the next election, after 16 years and six terms in parliament. 

Mr Coulton made the announcement today, Monday 25 March 2024, that he will not be contesting the seat of Parkes at the next federal election. 

“It has been an incredible honour to represent the people of the Parkes electorate for more than 16 years, but the time has come for me to step aside,” Mr Coulton said in a statement.

“I’ve spent the past 16 years travelling hundreds of thousands of kilometres across my electorate, getting to know the strong and vibrant communities I represent. It has been a great privilege and I’m extremely proud of everything we’ve been able to achieve over that time.”

Mr Coulton entered parliament as a member of the Nationals Party, and during that time served as the Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government, and later as the Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, alongside other portfolios. 

Prior to entering federal government, Mr Coulton was Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, as well as a farmer and grazier, a role he has continued throughout his terms in parliament - albeit not so hands on. 

Currently, he is the Nationals Chief Whip in the House of Representatives. 

The 66-year-old will continue in the role as Member for Parkes until the next federal election, at a date which is yet to be determined, but should be held on or before 27 September 2025 and expected for May 2025.

“...It’s time for a fresh face to take up the baton and I’m looking forward to the members of The Nationals in the Parkes electorate finding a suitable replacement who can continue to provide strong representation in Canberra.”

“In the meantime, I will continue to proudly represent this wonderful electorate with the utmost enthusiasm until the next election.”