Senator Robert Ray has announced his retirement from the Australian Senate after 27 years in federal politics.
 
The 61-year-old Victorian Labor senator retired yesterday two months ahead of the end of his term.

A former defence minister and immigration minister, Mr Ray made a significant contribution to the success of the Hawke and Keating governments, says The Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Chris Evans.
 
“In Opposition, Robert played a leading role in Senate Estimates and was highly successful at holding the Howard Government to account,'' Mr Evans says.
 
“Less well known is Robert’s invaluable contribution as mentor and adviser to new Labor senators and his advice and support for Labor frontbenchers.
 
“As one of the most influential figures of the ALP in the lat 30 years his contribution to the Party has been enormous.
 
“On a personal note, in my role as Senate Leader I have been grateful for his support and advice. Robert’s contribution to the Parliament and the Labor Party will be greatly missed and we wish him well in the next phase of his life.”

Mr Ray's place in the Senate is most likely to be filled by Jacinta Collins, who was set to enter the Senate in July.