The 48th Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, today announced that he will be stepping down from the position of Premier of Victoria and Member for Mulgrave, effective 5 pm tomorrow.
“It has been the honour and privilege of my life,” Andrews said at a press conference today.
“Recently, in talking to my kids and Cath, thoughts of what life will be like after this job have started to creep in. I’ve always known that when that happens, it’s time to go and to give this privilege and amazing responsibility to someone else.”
Three successful elections
Andrews led Labor to victory in 2014, and two subsequent victories in 2018 and 2022. He has now helmed the state government for nine years. He has also been the leader of the party for 13 years.
“On three occasions, Victorians have endorsed me and my team in record terms. I’m very proud of that, and I’m very grateful for that,” he said.
Experts and industry reflect
“Daniel Andrews has seemingly been an untouchable giant in Victorian politics since he first led Labor to victory in 2014,” said Monash University’s senior lecturer in politics, Dr Zareh Ghazarian.
“He subsequently led Labor to comfortable victories in 2018 and 2022. In doing so, he consolidated his place as one of Australia’s most successful political leaders.
“The COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria, which were some of the lengthiest in the world, allowed Andrews to showcase his leadership style. While some Victorians were disappointed, it did not stop him from leading Labor to a third consecutive election win in 2022.
“Politically, Andrews’ decision to step down might be a circuit breaker in this state.”
Dr Zareh Ghazarian added that with Andrews no longer at the helm, “the Liberal Party has a clear opportunity to reposition itself as an effective political force and reconnect with those who may have abandoned it during the Andrews premiership. While the Liberal Party has continued to find opposition difficult, this may be a turning point for their electoral fortunes.”
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive, Paul Guerra, said:
“I extend my thanks to Premier Daniel Andrews for his dedicated service to the State of Victoria over the past nine years as Premier. The Victorian Chamber acknowledges his commitment to our great State, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During my time at the Chamber, the Government has been instrumental in establishing a number of business incentives and grants such as the COVID-19 Business Support payments and Business Solar Grants; programs like our Business Mentoring Program, SummerTech Live and Digital Jobs; and ambitious infrastructure agendas including the removal of level crossings and the soon-to-be-operational Metro Tunnel.”
“The Premier’s term as Premier has been extensive and will be categorised as one that has advanced social solutions and infrastructure in this State.”
