General News
28 September, 2023
Daniel Andrews resigns, Jacinta Allan named 49th Premier of Victoria
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has resigned, making the shock announcement in a press conference on Tuesday, and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan has been chosen as the state’s 49th premier. Mr Andrews resigned as premier and Member for...
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has resigned, making the shock announcement in a press conference on Tuesday, and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan has been chosen as the state’s 49th premier.
Mr Andrews resigned as premier and Member for Mulgrave, effective as of 5 pm Wednesday, less than 12 months since the state Labor party retained power in the 2022 election — including picking up the seat of Ripon through current member Martha Haylett.
“Nine years ago I visited government house to be sworn in as the 48th premier of Victoria, it’s been the honour and privilege of my life,” Mr Andrews told media on Tuesday.
“It’s not an easy decision, because as much as we’ve achieved together, there’s so much more to do. But when it’s time, it’s time.
“It’s not an easy job being the premier of our state — that’s not a complaint, that’s just a fact.
“It requires 100 percent from you and your family. That of course is time limited, and now is the time to step away.”
Mr Andrews held the position for nine years, first elected in 2014, making him Labor’s longest serving Victorian premier.
During that time Mr Andrews made several visits to Maryborough, including to announce the funding for the $115 million Maryborough Hospital upgrade in 2018, and most recently in July this year where he fielded questions from journalists over the cancellation of the 2026 Victorian Commonwealth Games.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett praised Mr Andrews’ focus on regional areas.
“Dan Andrews never forgot his country roots. One of his earliest commitments, and one of his first promises kept, was saving the Ararat swimming pool. He did it because he understood uniquely that these kind of spaces matter to rural communities,” she said.
“The list of his legacy projects is long — too long for me to do proper justice. But as I drive around our community, Dan’s legacy and the legacy of his government is brought to life.
“New sporting facilities, local school upgrades and cheaper regional travel. Perhaps most important are his government’s investments in local health care.
“From the Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre, to Ballarat, Beaufort, Maryborough and Ararat hospital redevelopments — Dan wanted to make sure that every Victorian could depend on quality health care.”
Jacinta Allan, who was the deputy premier, was named as Victoria’s new premier on Wednesday, and is the second woman to hold the role after Joan Kirner from 1990-92.
Premier Allan has been the Member for Bendigo East since she was first elected in 1999, and alongside being named deputy premier in June 2022, has had many appointments including Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Women’s Affairs, Regional and Rural Development, and Agriculture.
Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll has been named deputy premier.