After 15 years, MP to swap national for local

Joanna Gash is the Liberal MP for the coastal New South Wales seat of Gilmore. She has announced she will not contest Gilmore at the next election because she intends to return to local politics and will stand for deputy mayor of Shoalhaven. She said she wants to "give something back to the community" that has sustained her for more than 60 years.

Joanna Gash entered Federal Parliament in 1996 and has held the Gilmore seat for more than 15 years, according to the article.

Joanna Gash represents the federal electorate of Gilmore in New South Wales, and the article states she holds the seat by a margin of 5.3 percent.

Joanna Gash said she will stand for deputy mayor of Shoalhaven in the New South Wales council elections scheduled for September.

Yes. Gash said she aimed to carry out her federal duties "regardless of the outcome" of the local contest, indicating she will continue her parliamentary responsibilities while campaigning.

During her federal career Gash served as a government whip and later as the shadow parliamentary secretary for tourism, as noted in the article.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott paid tribute to Gash, praising her effectiveness as a local member, her ability to defy political trends, and her commitment to the people of Gilmore and the Shoalhaven. He said she will be missed from Parliament but welcomed her hope to continue serving in local government.

Gash said local government has always attracted her and that she believes she can offer the community more through that tier of government. She framed her return as a way to give back to the community that has sustained her for decades.