Three Victorian Labor ministers have announced their retirement from politics ahead of the state election, adding to the exit of Natalie Hutchins in December and paving the way for a reshuffle of Jacinta Allan’s cabinet.
On Monday, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Finance Minister Danny Pearson and Water Minister Gayle Tierney confirmed they would not contest the election in November and would immediately step down as ministers.
Their decision will allow four backbench MPs to be elevated to the ministry, with former government services minister Natalie Hutchins stepping aside in December without a replacement being named.
Pearson’s and Tierney’s departures have been speculated for more than a year, even as both ministers had previously denied the rumours.
Thomas’ retirement came as a bigger surprise when discussions about her departure emerged over the past month.
She is currently the government’s leader in the lower house and one of Allan’s key lieutenants.
Fronting the press on Monday, Thomas said her approach to politics had always been to leave nothing in the tank.
“I realise that I can’t make that same commitment for another four years,” she said.
Announcing his retirement, Pearson said he felt an immense sense of gratitude.
“Politics is a team sport and I am grateful to have been a member of an incredibly strong Labor team,” he said.
Tierney said it was not an easy decision to step down but it felt right to do so.
“After nearly 20 years in Parliament, for me, it is simply time to pass the baton,” she said.
Victorian Labor caucus will meet on Tuesday to vote on each minister’s replacement.
Three Labor MPs, speaking anonymously to detail confidential discussions, said Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch, Eureka MP Michaela Settle and Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke appeared to have the support needed to secure their promotion.
The final spot in cabinet was still a source of contention on Monday, with Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson and Box Hill MP Paul Hamer the two most likely candidates.
Hamer has emerged as the frontrunner for the cabinet spot; however, MPs were expecting a flurry of calls over the next 24 hours as their colleagues sought support in the party room.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the three retiring ministers had left an “indelible mark” on the state.
“I am grateful for all they’ve done and everything they’ve achieved and for that, I say thank you to each of them,” she said.
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Daniella White is a state political reporter for The Age. Contact her at da.white@nine.com.auConnect via X or email.
