LONG serving Labor back bencher Mary Porter has been moved to inform the media that she has her “FEET FIRMLY ON THE GROUND” and does not, in fact, want to be a Minister.

“The Chief Minister and I have had a lengthy discussion on the matter, and while we both believe that I certainly have the skills and abilities to successfully undertake the role, it is my view that the thousands of Ginninderra electors who voted for me at the last election did so mainly because they know how accessible I am to them as their local member,” Mary said.

“Should I have accepted a Ministry, there is no way I would have been able to regularly conduct my Mobile Offices on Friday evenings and on weekends around the local shopping centres as I simply would not have had the time!”

“Naturally as a Minister, you need to devote a great deal of time and energy into reading briefs and developing a good understanding of the many complex issues that are brought to the Cabinet table in order to properly participate in the decision making process.

“Whilst I know I would have much to offer that process, I came into the Legislative Assembly because I wanted to be a voice for the many in our community who feel they are disadvantaged and have nowhere to turn in order to be heard.

“As a Member for Ginninderra, I have conducted close to 900 mobile offices, and dealt with over 5,000 individual constituency matters, and gained a great deal of satisfaction from helping many resolve issues that are important to them.

“I know there will be those disappointed that I have made this decision however, representing the people of Ginninderra is a great honour, and I shall continue to do that in the best way I can and I believe that’s by always being available to people and also being a strong advocate on matters I feel passionate about.

With Mary out of the way the fight for the new spot narrows to Yvette Berry, Chris Bourke, and Mick Gentleman.

We look forward to a Hunger Games style resolution in Garema Place.