NSW Labor MP Carmel Tebbutt says corruption controversies that dogged her party in recent years did not weigh on her decision to depart from state politics.
The Marrickville MP says the Labor Party cannot let a few bad apples ruin a great political institution.
"There is no doubt the revelations at ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) are extremely disappointing for the Labor Party and distressing for the Labor Party members," she told AAP.
But there had been recent reforms, including those NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson implemented following damning ICAC inquiries into former Labor ministers and MPs, Ms Tebbutt said.
She announced on Sunday she would not stand at the next state election in 2015, ending what will be a 17-year career in state politics.
She said that while her passion for social reform had not disappeared, her enthusiasm to pursue it through the political process had waned.
Ms Tebbutt, who is the wife of federal Labor MP Anthony Albanese, flagged a post-political career in the non-government sector.
Mr Robertson praised Ms Tebbutt as a "dedicated and respected parliamentarian and leader for our Labor cause".
"Her achievements in education, health and community services are a tribute to Carmel's dedication to making our state better and protecting those most vulnerable in our community," he said in a statement.
NSW Labor members will preselect candidates for the new state seats of Newtown and Summer Hill - replacing the electorate of Marrickville - to contest the 2015 election.
In 2008, Ms Tebbutt became the first woman to hold the position of deputy premier of NSW.
She held several portfolios, including health, environment and education, and was most recently health minister until the Keneally government's defeat in 2011.
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