Daniel Andrews, the 48th Premier of Victoria, made an unexpected announcement of his resignation this morning at an unexpected press conference – signalling an end of an era under his leadership and sparking shockwaves across Australia.
At 51, Andrews felt it was time for him to step aside despite “so much more to do.” After serving as Premier for nine years and as leader of his party for 13 more, Andrews acknowledged the weight of his position; emphasizing its weighty importance. When contemplating life post-leadership became part of his mind, it might be the right moment. Resenting such a privileged position did not sit well with him.
Andrews hails from rural Victoria and entered the political scene with the aspiration to do good and contribute to the betterment of society. Andrews believes the essence of public life lies in being subject to scrutiny and judgment from the public, so only time will tell how history will view his tenure in office.
One of Andrews’ most notable legacies will be his commitment to housing. He leaves behind an ambitious housing statement aiming to build 800,000 homes by 2034. With the Victorian population projected to touch 10.3 million by 2051, the housing initiative ensures that Victorians across the state will have homes. In his words, there’s nothing “more important than that.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lauded Andrews for his unwavering commitment, particularly during the challenging pandemic times. Andrews’ resilience during the pandemic, marked by difficult decision-making to ensure the safety of Victorians, will be a significant part of his legacy. The camaraderie between Albanese and Andrews, stemming from 25 years of friendship, was evident in the Prime Minister’s warm remarks. He anticipates Andrews’ contribution to society will continue in other capacities.
The sentiment was echoed by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who acknowledged the pleasure of working alongside Andrews. With Andrews’ resignation, there’s anticipation in the air about where he will direct his energies next. For now, Andrews looks forward to some personal time, emphasizing reconnection with his family and rediscovering himself outside the political sphere.
His dedication to the role is evident in his self-proclaimed status of being “worse than a workaholic.” Yet, the heartfelt gratitude to his family, particularly his wife Cath, and children underscores the sacrifices that come with public service.
The resignation culminates with Andrews’ formal meeting with the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner. As Victoria looks to the future, the Labor caucus is set to elect its new leader, with Andrews’ leadership officially ending at 5pm on Wednesday. Andrews expressed his confidence in the upcoming leadership, proudly highlighting the increasing representation of women in governance.
Andrews’ tenure has not been without its challenges, notably the management of the pandemic, which saw Victoria grappling with prolonged lockdowns. However, his commitment to the role since his election in 2002, initially as the MP for Mulgrave, is undeniable.
As the state turns a new page, the legacy of Daniel Andrews, a leader dedicated to progressive agendas, especially in women’s health, will undoubtedly cast a long shadow on Victorian politics.
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