PM Anthony Albanese joins Daniel Andrews to toast his retirement from politics

PM Anthony Albanese joined outgoing Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, political colleagues and staffers to toast his retirement from politics at a secret party in Melbourne on Friday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the event. Picture: Tony Gough

Anthony Albanese has quietly joined Daniel Andrews to get on the beers and toast his retirement from politics.

The Prime Minister visited Trades Hall in Carlton on Friday for the former Premier’s secret farewell party.

Naomi Nugraweni, chief of staff to Danny Pearson (left), Xavier Williams who was Daniel Andrews' former speechwriter (second from left), and Emma Vulin (right) outside Trades Hall. Picture: Tony Gough

The Grand Final Eve shindig was a chance for current and former staff from the Premier’s Private Office to say goodbye to Mr Andrews after nine years in the top job.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan with a staffer at the party. Picture: Tony Gough

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Victorian Labor party loyalists. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr Albanese, who met with new Premier Jacinta Allan just hours earlier, remained tight-lipped as he left the union meeting place just before 5pm.

Brendan Donohoe, deputy director of communications in the premier's private office. Picture: Tony Gough

Former Labor MP Martin Pakula was also in attendance. Picture: Tony Gough

Ms Allan and former deputy Premier James Merlino were among those to attend, alongside many of Mr Andrews’ current and former staff, advisers and media spinners.

Nick Staikos (right), member for Bentleigh and member of Labor's left faction. Picture: Tony Gough

Luke Donnellan, former member for Narre Warren North and former Andrews government minister. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr Andrews’ private office, which has ballooned in power and size over his reign, was made up of almost 90 people and ruled by a handful of senior unelected advisers who have been said to wield more clout than many government ministers.

Daniel Andrews Farewell Party at the Victorian Trades Hall Council Building in Carlton. Picture: Tony Gough

Chris Owens, who runs PM Anthony Albanese's cabinet office and is a former staffer to NSW Labor ministers Nicola Roxon and Kate Lu. Picture: Tony Gough

It’s unclear whether Ms Allan will lead a similar centralised government as her predecessor.

It’s also not yet known whether Mr Andrews’ current employees will work under a new-look Allan government.

Jackson Taylor, state member for Bayswater, who defected from Labor's Right faction to its Left Faction in 2022. Picture: Tony Gough

Both past and present staff attended. Picture: Tony Gough

Politicians often bring long serving and trusted staff into new roles when they move portfolios or are elevated to Premier.

It is understood that Labor lobbyists were approached throughout the week being asked to pay for the drinks.

All declined.