By Lachlan Ellis
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews shockingly resigned from the state’s top job last Wednesday, bringing close to a decade of his leadership to an end.
Speaking to the media at a snap press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Andrews said that he had decided to step back from politics after speaking with his family.
“When it’s time, it’s time. Recently, in talking to my kids and [wife] Cath, thoughts of what life will be like after this job have started to creep in. I’ve always known that the moment that happens, it’s time to go, and give this privilege, this amazing responsibility, to someone else,” Mr Andrews said.
“It’s not an easy job being Premier of our state, that’s not a complaint, it’s a fact. It requires a hundred per cent from you and your family. You never want to get to a place where you resent this job, this amazing privilege and important opportunity. That would not be right, and I simply won’t allow that to happen.”
Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Rod Ward said Mr Andrews had been instrumental in funding a number of upgrades and facilities in Moorabool.
“We were always pleased to welcome the Premier into Moorabool Shire. He visited us to announce funding for the indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh, upgrades to Maddingley Park and most recently, he toured our new West Maddingley Early Years and Community Hub,” Cr Ward told the Moorabool News.
“We wish the Premier and his family well with whatever comes next in their lives, and we look forward to working with his successor to ensure the needs of our growing communities are met. We will always advocate strongly for the people of Moorabool Shire and work with our politicians for great outcomes, no matter which party is in power and no matter who the leader is.”
On Wednesday afternoon the Victorian Labor Party held a party caucus in which Mr Andrews’ deputy, Jacinta Allan, was declared the new Premier, running unopposed after party negotiations.
“It is such a deep honour and privilege to be in the position to be heading to Government House, and to be sworn in as Premier of Victoria. Can I say, 24 years ago almost to the day when I walked into this place as a much younger woman from regional Victoria, I never expected to have this length of service,” Ms Allan said following the caucus.
“I pledge to the Victorian community that I will continue to work hard, as I’ve done every single day as a Member of Parliament.”
Member for Eureka Michaela Settle praised Mr Andrews on his time as Premier, and said she looked forward to working with the new Premier.
“Under Daniel Andrews’ leadership, we have seen our state and region transform, which will bring positive outcomes for generations. For our region, this means greater opportunities in education like free TAFE, a stronger health system with state-of-the-art Ballarat Base Hospital upgrades, and a fairer state for all,” Ms Settle said.
“Premier Jacinta Allan grew up in the country and understands what matters for Regional Victoria. Our incredible educational, regional development, and infrastructure outcomes under her leadership speak for itself.
“Having had the privilege of working closely with Jacinta for the past five years, I am proud to call her a good friend, and now the Premier of Victoria. Victoria is in safe and experienced hands under Premier Allan, and I look forward to continuing our work to deliver the housing statement and lower the cost of living.”
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll will become Deputy Premier of Victoria.
