Why is it hard for some to believe that Politicians could resign to spend more time with their spouse and families ? 

because it doesn't give as a good a story as otherwise?

http://blogs.abc.net.au/antonygreen/2013/02/house-members-retiring-at-the-2013-election.html

this lists the 7 people retiring from Labor and the 7 retiring from the LNP

LL: "c''mon john .. roxon beat big tobacco  . experience isnt everything. you need some ticker to do that. its been played down a bit, but its probably the biggest public health win seen for a long time. i agree dreyfus will make a good replacement."

Actually LL (being pedantic) Roxon initiated the action, but she would never have had the experience, (important in law)  or qualifications as  a solicitor to present the  final chapter which was conducted by:-

S J Gageler SC, Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth with R Merkel QC, S B Lloyd SC, J K Kirk SC, A M Mitchelmore and J S Cooke for the defendant in both matters (instructed by Australian Government Solicitor)

Interveners
W Sofronoff QC, Solicitor-General of the State of Queensland with G J D del Villar intervening on behalf of the Attorney-General of the State of Queensland in both matters (instructed by Crown Law (Qld))
M P Grant QC, Solicitor-General for the Northern Territory with R H Bruxner intervening on behalf of the Attorney-General for the Northern Territory in both matters (instructed by Solicitor-General for the Northern Territory)
P J F Garrisson, Solicitor-General for the Australian Capital Territory with M A Perry QC intervening on behalf of the Attorney-General for the Australian Capital Territory in both matters (instructed by ACT Government Solicitor)

Actually I will remember Roxon for the proposed ridiculous clauses in national anti-discrimination laws that she finally announced would be withdrawn just before she "bowed-out".

monman wrote

"Actually I will remember Roxon for the proposed ridiculous clauses in national anti-discrimination laws that she finally announced would be withdrawn just before she "bowed-out".

As usual monman gets it right with facts to back up the argument.

Roxon will be remembered for the disgraceful "social engineering" she perpetrated on Australians & her inept handling of the law re Slipper & Thomson, her meddling in everything.

As for spending more time with her family, that's code, it's  an insult to all as they never tell the truth, "bowed out" from her lifes dream? her lifes ambition? I think she deserted the sinking ship but if all want to swallow the "spend more time with the family" go for it.

There was an episode of Australian story last yr that featured Nicola and her OH.

Apparently he also had an interested in Politics.That decided ,however, that only one of them should enter.Her husband did say (back then) that the commitments do have some affect on family lives/relationships...as an thinking person would appreciate ? Family is important to most of us.I would hate to be away from my family,my husband so much myself.So too would my husband.I believe that Nicola also had her heart in the tobacco issues...her father died of smoking related cancer.

its her legislatiom MM. the wigs do the donkey work and she provided the idea and impetus.

Roxon the Tonacco slayer is how she will be remembered.:-p