NSW transport minister to retire at poll

"With the abolition of my Baulkham Hills electorate and advice that I cannot be accommodated in the new seat of Castle Hill on factional grounds, I have today advised my community that I will not be recontesting the 2023 state election," Mr Elliott wrote.

Mr Elliot nominated for preselection for Castle Hill after his current seat of Baulkham Hills was abolished in a redistribution.

Castle Hill, a safe Liberal seat in Sydney's northwest, is currently held by Ray Williams.

Mr Williams is contesting Kellyville, a newly created seat that takes in much of Mr Elliott's current Baulkham Hills seat.

Mr Elliott, who has previously served as minister of the police, emergency services, counter terrorism and corrections portfolios, has courted controversy since entering NSW parliament in 2011.

He told a P-plate driver he "worked for the cops" during an alleged road rage incident in 2019, defended the strip-searching of minors, was photographed firing two prohibited guns, and publicly scorned for taking an overseas holiday during the Black Summer bushfires while emergency services minister.

Mr Elliot has more recently been locked in a protracted dispute with NSW's rail, tram and bus union over a new enterprise agreement.

Reflecting on his 12 years in NSW parliament, Mr Elliot alluded to the burden public life has placed on his wife Nicole and two children.

"Whilst the boys and I have always had a good giggle at the emotion and thought invested into the 'constructive feedback' I've sometimes attracted, I know Nicole often took it personally," he said.

"Her loyalty has been inspirational. Having spent nearly two decades serving my country in both the military and the NSW parliament, I leave public service content that I've done the best job I could."

The NSW state election will be held in March next year, with the coalition vying for a historic fourth term.