A senior Labor figure and staunch Kevin Rudd supporter, he has insisted he was simply fulfilling a commitment to serve in the cabinet for one term only.He said it was the right time to go for him personally, but also for the party and the government.
Faulkner said that after 30 years in politics, including 21 as a senator, he believed in generational change. He said the Labor party had a talented caucus whose members deserved the same opportunities as he had had.
He is the second Labor figure to move from the frontbench since Prime Minister Julia Gillard came to power, but dampened any speculation that the leadership change played a role in his decision.
"I cannot say strongly enough that any such speculation is just wrong. Julia Gillard has my absolute support."
He said Gillard had persuaded him recontest his seat from the backbench, rather than retire form government completely.
Faulkner thanked his staff, calling them "outstanding". He said there was "no greater responsibility than that of defence of Australia, "calling it "a challenge and privilege... meeting the responsibility."
The long-serving MP was a minister in the Keating Government, and has been Defence Minister in the current Labor government since June 2009.
