In a stunning turn of events, Victoria’s longest-serving Labor premier Daniel Andrews today announced his resignation from office and Parliament.
Mr Andrews, who served as the 48th premier of Victoria, expressed his gratitude saying: “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.”
In a tenure marked by many pivotal moments for Victoria, Mr Andrews added: “I’m also proud to think of all that we have achieved over these nine years … and always striving to do what’s right, not simply what’s popular.”
Mr Andrews intends to stand down as premier and MP of Mulgrave at 5pm on Wednesday.
A legacy of reform
Since his election in 2014, Mr Andrews has become one of Victoria’s most influential reformists, reshaping the state’s infrastructure in a forceful and lasting way, writes political historian Paul Strangio.
From initiating large-scale transport projects, despite ascending debts, Mr Andrews has never shied away from his aim to secure the state’s future. His government’s groundbreaking social agenda included establishing Victoria’s first drug-injecting room, broader support for the Safe Schools program, legislating for abortion clinic protective zones, decriminalising sex work and forbidding LGBTIQ+ conversion practices.
In April, Mr Andrews broke John Cain’s record (eight years 124 days) as Victoria’s longest-serving Labor premier.
He has been hailed as a definitive leader of national significance. Some say his claims of Victoria being an exemplary state for progression in Australia are not without merit. A case in point was the Andrews’ administration pioneering voluntary assisted dying laws in 2017, an example since followed by every other state.
Victoria is advancing a process toward a treaty with Indigenous communities – a progressive move considering the federal government’s rejection of the 2017 Uluru Statement.
Mr Andrews said his new Victorian housing policy, which promises to build 800,000 homes by 2034, was one of his high points as premier.
“I leave knowing that the housing statement, one of the most profound shake-up in one of the most important policy areas, will guarantee that Victorians across the state have somewhere to call home,” Andrews said.
“What could be more important than that?”
The other high was one only he experienced.
“When I got on the test train at Metro Tunnel with no media, and I went from Arden and I travelled underneath the city at 80km/h on a train that was made right here in Victoria, through a tunnel, that is getting very close to being finished, all because of the good work of Victorians,” he said.
His dedication to progressive reform has led to antagonism of conservatives. His electoral popularity fuelled speculation about his increasing authority. Critics highlight a lack of democratic principles.
His approach, deemed domineering and dismissive of critics, saw him through controversies and affirmed his strong hold over his government.
One such critic, Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto says Mr Andrews is leaving because Victoria was “falling apart”.
“I do take this opportunity to wish Mr Andrews well with his family and all that he does in the future,” he said.
“The legacy that Daniel Andrews leaves is a state that is broken. Victoria is broken, we know it, we see the evidence of it every day. After nine years in office, are we better off under Daniel Andrews?”
Tough decision
He explained that despite much success, “the only way I know how to do this job is to have it consume me, to have it define me. Every waking moment is about the work, and that takes a toll.”
Cath Andrews, his wife, and cabinet members were present at the announcement.
Discussing life after this demanding role, Mr Andrews said: “As thoughts about life post this job have started to creep in while talking to Cath and my children, I knew it was time to step away and to hand over this immense responsibility to someone else.”
Mr Andrews was also pragmatic about the challenges that come with being the premier.
“It is not an easy job being premier of our state – but that is not a lament, it’s merely a given. It demands 100 per cent commitment from you and your family. And plainly, that is time-restricted – and now is the time to bow out.”
PM ‘surprised’ by Dan’s decision
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was surprised by the timing of Mr Andrews’ resignation, but was not shocked at him stepping down.
“We had a really good conversation. We’ve been friends for 25 years. And we will remain friends in the future. I know from time to time, us gathering as friends has created a whole lot of controversy. Well, I can assure you that we will be having one or two beers. And Daniel does cook a great steak,” said Mr Albanese.
Mr Albanese credits Mr Andrews for his record on infrastructure, health, schools and housing, and for stewarding his state in trying times.
“Daniel Andrews has never been anyone who has shirked his responsibilities. He stood up each and every day during the pandemic … doing what he believed was absolutely right to keep Victorians and safe,” he said.
“And Daniel Andrews will be remembered for his contribution to Victoria.”
Plans for for the future
With a 13-years long leadership tenure in the Victorian Labor Party, Mr Andrews seized control from a first-term Liberal government in 2014 and led Labour to successive wins in 2018 and 2022.
Asked about possible plans post-leaving politics, he said: “I plan to take some time off, enjoy golf and leisurely go through the stack of books I’ve accumulated.
“I’m indeed looking forward to a profound sense of change and exploring different things. Most certainly, I think a significant part of that will involve rallying behind Victoria to stay sturdy and leading our nation.”
Mr Andrews’s surprise resignation closes an extensive chapter in Victorian politics and will lead the way for a fresh political landscape.
Are you surprised at the announcement? Do you think he has done a good job? Why not share your opinion in the comments section below?
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Like all political leaders he has his detractors and his fans. His government deserves respect and recognition because they have passed a lot of progressive laws. Assisted dying among them.
The Andrews Government have built a lot of infrastructure, which should improve traffic and future transport.
He was authoritarian and democracy has stifled. The government became less transparent and open. This sadly is a bipartisan trend, with both sides hiding details behind cabinet secrets or commercial contracts.
Victoria experienced lockdowns. On the whole that approach likely saved lives. Australia escaped the worst of COVID due to the state premiers of both sides. Our numbers were low, when contrasted with the horrific numbers from overseas. One in 300 Americans died. We did not have those numbers here.
Still the lockdowns could have been better handled with consideration given to the mental health impacts.
A mixed legacy.
I am not surprised by this announcement as I heard 3 weeks ago he had paid $200000 to join a golf club in New York and Kevin Rudd had lined up a job for him.
So, he has earned the money, he can do as he wishes and perhaps its time he enjoyed something other than work.
To my way of thinking Dan Andrews has done the very best he can for his constituents and the country.. He has made difficult decisions and ran with them..He has done his job and this must be one of the most difficult of positions…He deserves a ‘thank you’ for his hard work…