In a sudden twist to Victorian politics, Premier Daniel Andrews announced his resignation on Tuesday, ending a tenure that spanned nearly nine years. The unexpected declaration came amidst growing media speculation regarding his political future.
Flanked by his wife Catherine and their two sons, Noah and Joseph, outside the parliament, Andrews confirmed his resignation as both the premier and the member for Mulgrave, effective 5pm on Wednesday. Reflecting on his decision, Andrews remarked, "When it is time, it is time."
He candidly shared insights into recent family discussions, stating, "Recently, in talking to my kids and Cath, thoughts of what life will be like after this job has started to creep in."
Andrews' tenure as premier witnessed many challenges, with the COVID-19 pandemic being one of the most significant and controversial.
Reflecting on his service, Andrews said, “The very best part of this job is meeting and listening to thousands and thousands of people from every walk of life... I will be forever grateful for the honour of leading this very special place.”
The national scene also took note of the premier's resignation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lauded Andrews, describing him as "a person of deep conviction, great compassion and fierce determination."
He added, "Dan has always been a builder and in education, health, infrastructure and housing he has built an extraordinary legacy that will endure for generations."
Highlighting Andrews’ leadership during the pandemic, Albanese said, “Dan’s leadership was tested by some of the toughest times. In the relentless pressure of a once-in-a-generation pandemic, Dan never shirked the hard decisions.”
Following Andrews' announcement, attention quickly turned to his potential successor. Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan has emerged as a frontrunner. She confirmed her intentions to nominate for leadership of the Victorian Labor party but opted to withhold further comments until the party's caucus meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Andrews refrained from speculating on his successor, emphasizing the decision rests with the caucus.
Andrews pinpointed the government's recent landmark housing statement as the moment he realized it was time to step aside.
“I knew, as we got to the final stages of that, that it would perhaps be the last big reform that I did.”
Andrews underscored his desire to avoid growing resentful of a job he considered a "great honour and privilege."
Reflecting on personal plans post-resignation, Andrews expressed his eagerness to spend quality time with his family, indulge in golf, and catch up on his reading.
Having first entered parliament in 2002, representing the seat of Mulgrave, Andrews held various ministerial roles before becoming Victoria’s Labor leader in 2010.
He was subsequently elected premier in 2014 and steered the Labor party to a third term in November 2022, solidifying his position as Labor’s longest-serving premier in Victoria.
