Martin Foley

The process of reshuffling the cabinet and finding a new deputy for premier Daniel Andrews is underway after the four senior ministers confirmed their ...

Clay Lucasis a senior reporter, and has worked at The Age since 2005, covering urban affairs, transport, state and federal politics, workplace relations, aged care and the pandemic. “We often say that in Victoria, equality is not negotiable. A mental health practitioner in every government secondary school”. Free dental care for public school students. Camps, sports and excursions funded for kids from lower-income families. “While our government is often referred to as the Andrews Labor Government, nothing we’ve achieved in infrastructure, in health and education, in equality, in jobs and skills, in any area – would have been possible without the hard work, determination and leadership of the best deputy any premier could ever wish for,” Andrews said in a statement.

The Andrews Labor Government is leading the nation in our recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic. Brimming with ideas and enthusiasm for the future, with a ...

I am proud to have played a role in these efforts. Their efforts, together with the backing of six million Victorians, has been at the heart of our pandemic response. Our health and ambulance services have been through the toughest of times in this pandemic. Health workers’ dedication – and that of the professional public servants who work tirelessly in departments across government – fills me with tremendous pride and hope for the future. Serving as a Minister in Australia’s most progressive government – most recently as Minister for Health, Ambulance Services and Equality – has been a great honour. The past two years have been a tough time for all Victorians. Many of us have come to reflect on what we aspire to achieve.

Victoria's deputy premier, health minister, police minister and former attorney general have all announced they are leaving politics.

I'd like to think I'm not one of them. "I am no different. A rare combination." "I want to particularly thank Daniel who has been a great friend and support during my time in the Parliament. It has been a great honour and privilege to serve as a senior minister in his Cabinet since 2014." "And only after consulting with doctors, family and my friends, I have decided to not re-contest the seat of Bellarine in the 2022 state election. "A Premier who not only has the biggest and boldest ideas to improve the lives of Victorians, but the energy, capacity and grit to actually get it done.

Four of Daniel Andrews' most senior colleagues have announced they're leaving politics and will leave the cabinet immediately.

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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says the loss of four ministers, including Deputy Premier James Merlino, offers a "critically important" chance to "refresh ...

"My kids are so excited that their Dad is retiring from politics. "On a very personal note, I will never be able to repay James for his loyalty, for his friendship, for his care and comfort to me. More recently, James has, of course, taken on responsibility for the implementation of Australia's first and only Royal Commission into mental health, acknowledging, as I do, that that system is broken, and that we need to do more and that we need to do better. "When we came to government, our school system was, in many respects, on its knees. "He is a person of courage and conviction. Each department has multiple ministers, but the coordinating minister is the most senior. "She's also always put her responsibility to the people of Bellarine and Victoria first. Here's a quick explainer: A political faction is like a party within a political party. A visitor economy only works when the Minister responsible for it has the energy and sense of urgency Martin is famous for. He listened to those sectors, worked with them, and gave them a voice in government. "Before he entered the Victorian Parliament, Martin had dedicated his career to protecting workers' rights. "I didn't get well to get out.