Labor MP Natalie Hutchins to quit ahead of next election
Natalie Hutchins has announced she will resign before next year’s state election, making her the fifth Labor MP to retire ahead of the poll.
Labor Minister Natalie Hutchins has announced she will resign before next year’s state election, making her the fifth government MP to retire ahead of the 2026 poll.
The Member for Sydenham and Minister for Government Services, Treaty, and First Peoples revealed she will step down after more than a decade in parliament.
In a statement released on Thursday, Premier Jacinta Allan praised Ms Hutchins for her contributions, describing her as a valuable addition to the team.
“Natalie was first elected to the parliament in 2010 and has been a dedicated Minister for over a decade – her outstanding contribution to Victoria will leave a lasting legacy,” Ms Allan said.
“She puts equality at the heart of everything she does.”
Ms Allan commended Ms Hutchins for her journey, growing up in public housing in Melbourne’s western suburbs, joining the union movement, and eventually making her way to parliament.
“She has always been a passionate advocate for creating opportunities for others and has been a fierce voice for the diverse and growing communities she now represents.”
Rumours about Ms Hutchins’ retirement had been circulating for weeks, with the Minister stepping down from her convener duties recently, citing health issues.
Her resignation marks the first departure from the ministry following announcements last month by backbencher Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor and Melton MP Steve McGhie, who confirmed they will not be recontesting their seats.
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin and Bass MP Jordan Crugnale announced they would also not recontest their respective seats.
It is widely understood that many Labor MPs are anticipating a challenging election campaign, with the voting public expressing dissatisfaction with both major parties amid spiralling crime rates and cost-of-living crisis.
Ms Hutchins’ seat, once a strong Labour hold, experienced a significant 17.5 per cent swing against Labour on first-preference votes in the 2022 election.
Ms Hutchins will continue to serve until the next election, but will step down from Cabinet on 22 December, when her ministerial responsibilities will then be reallocated to serving cabinet members.
