Carr stands down as NSW Premier

SYDNEY - Bob Carr has announced he will step down as NSW Premier and retire from Australian state politics, effective next Wednesday.

Mr Carr said there was never a perfect time to decide when to move on but he and wife Helena had decided his time had come.

"Today, I announce my retirement as premier and member for Maroubra, effective next Wednesday," he told reporters.

Mr Carr, who has been premier in NSW for more than 10 years, declined to nominate a successor.

He said he had no job offers and, asked if he would make the move to federal politics, replied: "No, I don't think so."

Mr Carr, 57, entered state politics in 1983 and has been Labor leader for 17 years.

He is NSW's longest continuously serving premier and Australia's longest serving state leader.

The next election in NSW is due in March 2007.

Mr Carr said it was only last weekend that he and Helena had really contemplated him leaving politics.

He said he wanted to spend more time with Helena enjoying the beauty of Sydney and "more recreation".

- AAP