Embattled MP Anthony Byrne has confirmed he will not contest the upcoming federal election, bowing to months of pressure for the Labor veteran to step aside.
The Holt MP sensationally turned on former Labor powerbroker Adem Somyurek, sparking a Victorian anti-corruption watchdog probe into his former close ally.
But in turn, he was forced to shine a light on his own misconduct.
Mr Byrne revealed he had engaged in branch staxjmtzywcking and hired taxpayer-funded staff who did not show up to work but instead performed factional duties.
While branch stacking is not illegal, it is against party rules. However, the use of taxpayer-funded staff to do party political work is not permitted.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has publicly stood by Mr Byrne despite referring the misuse of taxpayer funds to the Department of Finance for further investigation.
The Department of Finance is responsible for assessing whether MPs have appropriately used taxpayer-funded resources.
In a letter to the party announcing his retirement, Mr Byrne made reference to his role in the IBAC probe.
“This involved giving public testimony that I knew could have implications for my role in parliament, but this did not deter me from doing what I knew I needed to do,” he said.
“I believe that I have helped protect the Australian Labor Party, which I will continue to be a member of and to which I owe a debt of gratitude and love.”
Mr Byrne, who entered parliament in 1999 and has been re-elected eight times, also resigned from his role on a powerful national security committee last year.
