The Minister for Defence, Mr Peter Reith has announced he will not contest the next Federal election.

He made the announcement on June 29.

In a formal statement he said, "I have advised the Liberal Party that I will not be contesting the next election.

"It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve the constituents of my electorate of Flinders for almost two decades, and an honour to serve the people of Australian in the various portfolios I have held.

"I shall be remaining the Minister for Defence until the election and shall continue to work hard in pursuit of the Defence White Paper and all its objectives," he said.