Daniel Andrews quits as Victorian premier

Andrews made the announcement at a snap media convention in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon.

“9 years in the past, I visited Authorities Home to be sworn in because the forty eighth premier of Victoria – it has been the honour and privilege of my life,” he mentioned.

“I’m additionally proud to think about all that we’ve achieved over these 9 years in good instances, and at all times working onerous to do what’s proper, not merely what’s common.”

He mentioned he would stand down as Premier and MP in his Melbourne seat of Mulgrave at 5pm on Wednesday.

“It’s not a simple choice as a result of as a lot as we’ve achieved collectively, there’s a lot to do. When it’s time, it’s time,” he mentioned.

“The one approach I understand how to do that job is to have it devour me, to have it outline me. To a sure extent each waking second is in regards to the work. And that takes a toll.”

Andrews’ spouse Cath and cupboard ministers have been additionally there for the announcement.

“Not too long ago in speaking to my youngsters and Cath, ideas of what life shall be like after this job have began to creep in. I’ve at all times identified that the second that occurs, it’s time to go and to provide this privilege, this wonderful accountability, to another person,” he mentioned.

“It’s not a simple job being Premier of our state – however that isn’t a grievance, that’s simply reality. It requires 100 per cent from you and your loved ones. That after all, is time-limited – and now could be the time to step away.”

Andrews has been premier for 9 years and chief of the Victorian Labor Occasion for 13 years. He booted out a first-term Liberal authorities to change into premier in 2014, and led Labor to 2 extra victories in 2018 and 2022.

On his speedy plans for all times post-politics, he mentioned he would “have a while off, play slightly golf, learn the – actually – the pile of books within the nook”.

“I’ll do a couple of issues which are about me, and I’m going to undergo what shall be a reasonably difficult adjustment,” he mentioned.

“I’m wanting ahead to a really totally different place and doing various things – so lengthy you are able to do that for. And I feel no less than an excellent a part of it is going to be about making an attempt to help Victoria to be sturdy and to be main our nation.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas paid tribute to Andrews this afternoon.

“Daniel Andrews has been a robust, considerate, and progressive Premier and I congratulate him on his substantial political profession working within the pursuits of the Victorian individuals,” Malinauskas mentioned.

“He took the Victorian Labor Occasion from Opposition to Authorities in 2014 and has gone on to change into that state’s longest serving Labor Premier. That could be a substantial achievement, delivering vital reforms whereas contending with main challenges, together with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I labored carefully alongside Dan in Nationwide Cupboard and the Council for the Australian Federation. I like his thoughtfulness and tenacity.

“I want Dan, Cath and their household all the very best for the subsequent chapter of their lives.”

-This story was first printed in The New Every day

Supported by the Authorities of South Australia