Christopher Pyne and Steve Ciobo to retire

CHRISTOPHER PYNE AND STEVE CIOBO TO RETIRE AT THE NEXT ELECTION

"I'm not going into the tomb, I intend to be around in politics, in South Australia in particular, for a long time to come." - Retiring Liberal frontbencher Christopher Pyne

"It has always been my view that politics is a means to an end. I have never sought to be a 'time server'. My contribution is made." - Retiring Liberal frontbencher Steve Ciobo

"I want to thank Christopher for his service to our country. 26 years is a very long stint in the parliament." - Prime Minister Scott Morrison

"(Pyne is) irrepressible. He's tenacious at times to the point of ruthlessness and he's occasionally extremely entertaining." - Labor frontbencher Penny Wong

"We disagree about the way forward but he has my respect both as a person and as someone who has served his electorate, his Party and the community with genuine commitment." - Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese

"The Liberal Party & Australia has been well served by @cpyne. Despite what you read from time to time Christopher and I have worked closely together in the Parliament for many years." - Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton on Twitter

"A big loss to our parliamentary democracy. Best wishes mate." - Labor frontbencher Joel Fitzgibbon to Pyne

"There is no doubt any credibility the government has on national security leaves with Christopher Pyne." - Labor defence spokesman Richard Marles.