Sharman Stone will retire as the shortest-serving MP to represent her federal Victorian seat despite spending 20 years in parliament.
The Liberal MP for the rural seat of Murray announced on Saturday she will retire at the upcoming federal election.
"I have been honoured to have served this magnificent region as the federal member, but now I believe is the right time to pass the torch to the next person who will represent us with passion and a deep love of our place," Dr Stone said in a statement posted on Facebook.
"It has been a unique privilege to have served as the member for Murray.
"I cannot imagine having had a more rewarding and challenging, but fulfilling role."
Murray was first contested in 1949, when Country Party MP John McEwen won and held it until 1971.
Bruce Lloyd held it for the Country Party, continuing when it changed its name to the National Party, from 1971 to 1996.
"Every day as the member for Murray I have worked with so many great men, women and children, some descendants of families going back generations, some just arrived in our great country," Dr Stone said.
"It makes no difference, we are united in wanting the best for our families and a safe and secure future."
Dr Stone told ABC Radio she would "100 per cent" work with whoever replaced her in the Liberal preselection contest.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Dr Stone's intellect, strong social conscience and "indomitable energy".
"Sharman Stone has been a tireless, enthusiastic representative of her people of northern Victoria through 20 years - the good times and the tough times of fire, flood and drought," Mr Turnbull said.
Labor MPs praised Dr Stone for her commitment to bipartisanship.
"I wish @SharmanStone all the best in her post-parliament career. We've done a lot of great committee work together and I'll really miss her," Labor's Graham Perrett said on Twitter.
Dr Stone served as workforce participation minister in 2006-07, and held several shadow portfolios when in opposition.
In 2014 Dr Stone criticised her own party for rejecting a request for assistance from the SPC Ardmona factory in Shepparton.
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