Prime Minister Julia Gillard congratulated Jon Stanhope on his achievements as Chief Minister of the ACT and leader of the ACT ALP. Jon retires as the longest-serving and most successful leader of the ACT Labor Party.

“Jon came to lead the ACT ALP following defeat in the 1998 ACT election and steered his party to Government in the subsequent 2001 election.  In 2004 he secured the only majority Government in the Territory’s history and in 2008 won a historic third term for Labor. Under Jon, ACT Labor pursued brave and difficult reforms of the Territory’s education system and has begun a total rebuild of Canberra’s hospitals. These reforms and investments will serve Canberra for years to come. For a decade in the Council of Australian Governments, Jon’s has been a wise voice and I, along with many leaders of larger jurisdictions, have been grateful for the benefit of his experience and judgement. It’s fitting that my last public event with Jon as Chief Minister was to plant a tree cut from the Tree of Knowledge from Barcaldine in Canberra. Jon has been a trusted steward of Labor’s vision and values and a fine servant of the city he loves.  Jon’s commitment to community service began years before he entered elective politics and I know it will remain for years to come. I am sure Jon and Robyn are looking forward to the next phase of their life very much and I wish them well.”

Deputy Chief Minister Katy Gallagher thanked Jon Stanhope following the announcement of his resignation as Chief Minister. Katy Gallagher MLA has applauded the ACT’s longest and most successful Chief Minister both as a colleague, and as a friend as he announces his retirement from ACT politics. “Jon Stanhope MLA has successfully and courageously led this Government for the last ten years.  I am proud to have served alongside him, both as his Deputy and as part of his team,” Ms. Gallagher said.

Senator Kate Lundy stated she wished to congratulate Jon Stanhope for his contribution to the Canberra community over the past decade. Senator Lundy stated “During his term as Chief Minister he was a steadfast advocate for the rights of Territorians and a visionary leader who changed the face of our nation’s capital. Jon Stanhope pioneered significant reform to improve the social welfare of Canberrans, remove discrimination, and strengthen equal opportunity. His commitment to indigenous Australians and reconciliation stands alongside his support for a strengthened human rights agenda. Jon’s pursuit of brave reforms and drive to enhance the social fabric of our community is a legacy that will be enjoyed by future generations to come. I wish Jon all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for his lasting contribution to our community.”

Member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann MP has congratulated ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope for his tireless efforts in the service of Canberra. Ms Brodtmann highlighted Mr Stanhope’s commitment to human rights, multiculturalism, the arts, and greater autonomy for the ACT. “Jon has always been a chief minister with a strong vision for Canberra - that vision hasn’t just included the built environment, but the social fabric that goes into making Canberra a great national capital and community. “Jon made Canberra a better place for people to live, to have a career, to have a family and to enjoy the strong community we have here - a community he helped to build.

“Canberra will also remember his strong leadership during the 2003 Canberra bushfires.  His determination to rebuild this city is a strong testament to the nature of his leadership and his commitment to Canberra. “Today Canberra is a much stronger community and stronger city thanks to Jon Stanhope.” said Ms Brodtmann.

Andrew Leigh, Federal Member for Fraser joined his federal and ACT colleagues in congratulating Jon Stanhope on his significant community contribution and leadership. “Jon Stanhope retires from the position of ACT Chief Minister with Canberra as strong as it has ever been. Our unemployment rate is the lowest in Australia, our schools are first-rate, and our natural environment is a treasure for all Canberrans. Mr Stanhope has been willing to make hard decisions about schools, roads, and health care. He has introduced new innovations such as ‘Chief Minister’s Talkback’ – making government more accessible. Mr Stanhope has stood up against discrimination wherever it raised its ugly head. Under his government, economic growth and social equity have gone hand-in-hand. If there is a signature ‘Stanhope Style’, it is his deep understanding of Canberra’s history, geography and community. Few others can aspire to Mr Stanhope’s knowledge of our city and its diverse heritage. His pride in his home is unmatched. Though Mr Stanhope will be missed, I am confident that Katy Gallagher will be a worthy successor. Ms Gallagher will lead the Labor team to the 2012 election with a spirit of optimism and a determination to make the essential investments to keep our city strong. I wish Jon Stanhope and his wife Robyn all the best for the next phase of their lives.”