General News
31 October, 2022
Jaala Pulford announces resignation ahead of election
Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford will not be recontesting the 2022 state election. In a statement released last week, Ms Pulford said her political journey, which spanned 16 years, had been extremely rewarding but it was time to step back...
Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford will not be recontesting the 2022 state election.
In a statement released last week, Ms Pulford said her political journey, which spanned 16 years, had been extremely rewarding but it was time to step back.
“Representing the people of Western Victoria has been an extraordinary privilege. Serving the people that rely on Labor governments has been a tremendous honour,” she said.
“I’ve given my all to public life, but it’s given me so much more. It’s time for me to make way for the next generation, and I cannot wait to see them thrive.
“I’m conscious that I’m making this decision on the eve of a state election but I’m absolutely confident that the time is right for me, and for the government.”
Premier Daniel Andrews, in another statement, said that Ms Pulford’s achievements had been remarkable and that she had been a “devoted advocate for working people”.
“She made the Victorian Parliament a kinder, more thoughtful place. She gave us all cause to reflect, and to garner a little perspective. She will be sorely missed by many on both sides of the aisle,” he said.
For Ms Pulford, her work in government was guided and made better by the people she helped.
“While it is amazing to pass a law, design a program or fund a project, the best thing about being a politician is the people we meet,” she said.
“The communities of Western Victoria are proud, caring and creative.”
Reflecting on Ms Pulford’s inaugural speech, 16 years ago, in the newly constituted Legislative Council of Victoria, Premier Andrews said it was the sentiment she expressed in her speech that motivated her further.
“She spoke of the profound role decent work can play in giving people the dignity they deserve, the profound harm a workplace injury can cause — and the profound duty governments have to protect workers who, for whatever reason, cannot negotiate a better deal themselves,” he said.
“She carried that compassion with her into parliament, and I have no doubt it’s what has driven her every day.”
With success across many sectors, Ms Pulford worked diligently towards the upliftment of regional Victoria.
“Jaala has always done her best to make sure regional Victorians enjoyed the same quality of life as those in the city,” Mr Andrews said.
“In particular, fast tracking better internet speeds and mobile services through our half-a-billion dollar Connecting Victoria program to change the way we live and work right across the state.”
Looking back on her achievements, Ms Pulford thanked the public servants she worked with in nine portfolios.
“In public life any achievement is the work of many,” she said.
“Together, we modernised, reformed, saved, built and rebuilt,
“There have been droughts, fires, floods, storms and economic shocks, but throughout it communities stood together, embraced change and grew stronger.”
Mr Andrews said Ms Pulford will remain in her cabinet portfolios of employment, innovation, medical research and the digital economy, small business and resources, until the end of the term — supporting flood recovery efforts until a new government is formed.