Marino to retire from federal politics

Federal Liberal MP Nola Marino will retire from parliament at the next election, bringing an end to a 15-year tenure in the Forrest electorate.

Ms Marino took to Facebook on Monday to reveal she would stand down from the South West seat at the next federal election, likely to be held in 2025.

Her move opens up what is usually considered a safe Liberal seat which Ms Marino held with a 4 per cent margin in 2022 despite a 10 per cent swing against her.

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to represent the people, businesses and industries in our South West,” Ms Marino said.

“I have lived and worked here all my life… and I know without any doubt it is the best part of Australia.

“I intend to keep working every day for the benefit of the people in our Forrest electorate.”

Ms Marino was assigned deputy regional development and territories minister under the Morrison government and also held the role of government whip for two terms.

In 2017 she was almost caught up in the infamous citizenship saga over concerns she may have acquired Italian citizenship through marriage.

Later that year she backed the yes vote in the same-sex marriage plebiscite, and this year voted no to the Indigenous voice to parliament.

She stared down a strong preselection challenge from Ben Small in 2016, backed by then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who described Ms Marino as a “legend” of the party.

Mr Small went on to replace Mathias Cormann as a Western Australian Senator in 2020, but lost his seat in 2022.

Prior to entering parliament Ms Marino served as the Liberal Party's Harvey branch president.

In 1996 she was named regional woman of the year in South West WA by the ABC.

Forrest has been held by the Liberal Party since 1972.