Ian Macfarlane to quit at election

Former cabinet minister Ian Macfarlane has announced he won't recontest the next election.

After almost 18 years in federal parliament, Mr Macfarlane said the time was right to "pass the baton".

"I will now be looking for new challenges to use my wealth of knowledge and experience in the resources, industry and science sectors for the betterment of our great nation," he said in a statement on Monday.