Speaker Tony Smith to quit parliament at next election after 20 years in Canberra

Smith, who is respected on both sides of the chamber, says he's stepping down to allow renewal within the Liberal party

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tony Smith, is quitting politics after 20 years in Canberra.

Smith, who was first elected to the Victorian seat of Casey in 2001, announced on Wednesday he would step down at the next election to allow for renewal" within the Liberal party.