Daniel Andrews has resigned as Victoria’s premier after almost a decade in the top job. Mr. Andrews will step down as the state’s leader and as the member for Mulgrave effective from 5pm on Wednesday (September 27).
“Nine years ago, I visited Government House to be sworn in as the 48th premier of Victoria. It has been the honour and privilege of my life,” he said in announcing his resignation at a snap press conference at state parliament with his wife Cath by his side.
“Recently in talking to my kids and Cath, thoughts of what life will be like after this job have started to creep in. I have always known that the moment that happens, it is time to go and to give this privilege, this amazing responsibility to someone else. It is not an easy job being premier of our state, but that is not a complaint that is just fact. It requires 100% from you and your family, that of course, is time-limited and now is the time to step away,” Mr. Andrews declared.
“I’m proud to think of all that we have achieved over these nine years in good times, and always working hard to do what’s right, not simply what’s popular,” he reflected on his premiership.
Under his leadership, Victoria became the first state in the country to introduce euthanasia laws and other so called “progressive” legislation, including abortion clinic safe zones, decriminalising sex work and banning “conversion” practices. He achieved gender equality within his ministry and set the state on the path to treaty with Indigenous Victorians.
On his watch, Victoria also endured the harshest COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and a disastrous hotel quarantine program that led to the virus spreading despite six lockdowns. Mr. Andrews was forced to sack former Labor powerbroker Adem Somyurek from the ministry twice — first for bullying and then for branch-stacking in a scandal that claimed the scalps of three other ministers.
He also cancelled the state’s commitment to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria.
Daniel Andrews was Labor leader for 13 years, becoming premier in November 2014 after leading the party to victory over a first-term Liberal government, followed by two more state election victories in 2018 and 2022.
His replacement will be picked at a caucus meeting at noon on Wednesday.
With Australian Associated Press
Photo: Dave Hewison Photography / Shutterstock.com
