Former Victoria premier Denis Napthine quits politics

FORMER premier Denis Napthine reveals the highs and lows of his career - and his views on East West Link - as he walks away from politics.

Favourite photos of the year Premier Denis Napthine and Minister David Hodgett to make a jobs announcement at Cotton On. Premier Denis Napthine puts the glasses on of mayor Darryn lyons at Cotton On to announce 300 jobs.with liberal candidate Ron Nelson and Minister David Hodgett. Picture: Karen Dodd

FORMER Premier Denis Napthine will retire from politics this week.

Dr Napthine announced his retirement this morning after almost 27 years in Parliament.

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve in the Victorian Parliament for 27 years,” Dr Napthine said.

“I thank the people of south west Victoria for the trust they’ve placed in me at each and every election.

“It brings genuine tears of joy to me when people approach me in the street to tell me that the emergency helicopter has saved a loved ones life, this is an emergency helicopter that I and my office fought for for over a decade.”

In March 2013 Dr Napthine became premier of Victoria after Ted Baillieu stood down.

“To the people of Victoria I thank them ... for the absolute honour and privilege that it was to serve as the 47th Victorian Premier.”

He led the Coalition to a defeat at last year’s state election and has served on the backbench since.

Denis Napthine, flying with his son Tom, looks out of the window of a chartered jet over Victoria for the last time as Premier on his way to Warrnambool on election day 2014. Picture: David Caird

When asked if the East West Link had contributed to the election loss Dr Napthine said it still needed to be built and Labor’s new western distribution was a “dog” and said the western section of the east west link would be a better option, later linking to the eastern section.

Dr Napthine said he was disappointed and shocked to hear about the alleged theft of Liberal Party funds by Damien Mantach, which occurred while Dr Napthine was Premier, and when he was fighting an election.

When asked what his highs and lows were in his long career he said being elected to parliament for the first time and being sworn in as Premier on his birthday were his greatest highs.

His worst lows were the election loss last year and when he was replaced as opposition leader in 2002.

Premier Denis Napthine in parliament. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Dr Napthine said some of his proudest achievements included signing Victoria up to the NDIS and bringing the national headquarters to Geelong.

The 63-year-old former Vet has three adult sons with his wife Peggy.

He said his political journey would not have been possible without the support of his family and thanked them for their support.

Dr Napthine has represented the seat of Portland since he was first elected and still lives in the area.

He served in a range of Ministerial positions in the Baillieu and Kennett Governments.

In a statement presented at Parliament House Dr Napthine also thanked his parliamentary colleagues from all parties.

“While across the chamber there are differences in philosophies, in my experience, we all share a passion for Victorian families, communities and this great State.”

He urged the new Labor Government to build an airport rail, support the relocation of the VicRoads head office to Ballarat and said he still believed the East West link was needed.

Dr Napthine wished the best of luck to new Liberal Party leader Matthew Guy, who shares a birthday with his predecessor.

He said his immediate plans for retirement were to spend more time walking on the beach at Port Fairy and he would be interested in opportunities to serve his community in other ways.

“I bow out of parliamentary life with many happy memories, with lifelong friends and, hopefully, a record that says I made a difference to this State, which I love so much and have been proud and honoured to serve.”

Originally published as Former Victoria premier Denis Napthine quits politics