Jill Hennessy resigns as Victoria’s Attorney-General

Daniel Andrews has hit back at criticism over the number of MPs to leave his cabinet this year following Jill Hennessy’s sudden exit.

Attorney-General Jill Hennessy has stepped down from the role to commit more time to her family.

Announcing the shock departure, effective immediately, Ms Hennessy said she would continue as an MP and contest the next election in 2022 but needed to leave the ministry to better support her family.

“This tough year has prompted many Victorians to think about their lives, their families, and the things that are most important to them,” she said.

“Political life can be hard on families. Mine is at a stage where they need more of me and even more importantly, I need more of them.

Jill Hennessy has resigned from the Attorney-General position. Picture: Mark Stewart

“Like everyone managing the collision between work and family life, sometimes something has to give, at least for a little while.”

Ms Hennessy said she wanted to be able to support her two daughters through their final years of secondary school.

“This year has made all of us think about what the “new normal” is, post-coronavirus,” she said.

“I need a new normal for the challenges and priorities of the next period of my life – balanced with my passion to represent and deliver outcomes for community.

“That is why I have made this decision to take a step back, not a step down.”

Ms Hennessy, the member for Altona, will remain a member of parliament with sources saying she hasn’t ruled out a return to the ministry.

On Thursday, Daniel Andrews hit back at criticism over the number of ministers to leave his cabinet this year following Ms Hennessy’s sudden exit.

The Premier said he was proud of Ms Hennessy’s decision and flagged a replacement would be announced next week.

“She has made a very difficult call, a call that many people would make. They would continue to put their career ahead of their family,” he said.

“She’s not done that, and I’m very proud of her for doing that.

“Yesterday was a tough day for all of us who know her, who love her, who absolutely respect her as a politician and a person. And now all of us can have an even greater respect.”

Ms Hennessy was the sixth minister to exit the cabinet this year following the resignations of Gavin Jennings and Jenny Mikakos and sacking of Adem Somyurek.

Robin Scott and Marlene Kairouz also left cabinet after being linked to the branch stacking allegations levelled at Mr Somyurek.

“Frankly some of the commentary we’ve seen about that speaks more about those who’ve been running that commentary,” Mr Andrews said.

Some news.https://t.co/DZuRbhJexi#springst pic.twitter.com/XsEblXT3Xw

— JillHennessyMP (@JillHennessyMP) December 16, 2020

Ms Hennessy emerged alongside Jacinta Allan, both members of Labor’s socialist left faction, as a leadership contender. Since taking over as Attorney-General in 2018, Ms Hennessy oversaw the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants and significant legislative reforms.

They included introducing legislation to decriminalise public drunkenness, develop a spent convictions scheme and ban on change or suppression conversion practices.

As health minister she was involved in reforms on issues including voluntary assisted dying, safe access zones for women’s health services, childhood vaccination, and medicinal cannabis.

Daniel Andrews said Ms Hennessy had made a “courageous” choice.

“Based on our conversations over recent times, I also know it is the right choice – for her and for her family – and she has my full support,” the Premier said.

“Our Cabinet has been stronger, and our state made fairer by her outstanding contribution.

“I know Jill will bring that same intellect and energy as she continues to represent the people of Altona and I am pleased that she has indicated she intends to stand again at the 2022 State Election.”

Jill Hennessy has made the difficult decision to step back from the ministry.

Jill has my full support in making this choice and I thank her for her incredible service in our Cabinet and to our state.https://t.co/m5q4Cbzsqk

— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) December 16, 2020

Ms Hennessy’s replacement is expected to be announced this week, with Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes and Women’s Minister Gabrielle Williams — both former lawyers — mentioned as likely candidates.

She is the sixth minister to leave the cabinet this year, following Gavin Jennings, Adem Somyurek, Robin Scott, Marlene Kairouz and Jenny Mikakos.