Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp to vacate seat
Upper House MP Mark Gepp has announced he will not seek re-election following a raft of resignations from his Labor colleagues in recent days.
Victoria
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Upper house Labor MP Mark Gepp has announced he is quitting politics after four years as the member for Northern Victoria.
The MP has advised Premier Daniel Andrews he will not seek re-election in 2022.
Mr Gepp is the sixth Labor MP to announce their resignation in the space of nine days, after former Attorney-General Jill Hennessy, Planning Minister Richard Wynne, Ringwood MP Dustin Halse, Yan Yean MP Danielle Green and Lara MP John Eren also called time on their political careers.
In a statement, Mr Gepp said the job is without question a “great privilege”.
“It has been one of the highlights of my 35 year career in the labour movement,” he said.
“I never dreamed of serving as an MP in a Labor government and I am deeply grateful to the mighty union movement and the Labor Party for the honour.
“There will be plenty of time to say thank you to the people who have supported me over the journey and I will do that at the appropriate time.”
The Premier said Mr Gepp was a “fighter” and had spent decades giving a voice to workers before being elected.
“Mark was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2017, and he’s put the needs of hardworking local people first since day one,” Mr Andrews said in a statement.
“Mark’s a fighter, and he’s always fought to give people the decent working environment they deserve.
“In his inaugural speech to Parliament, Mark described working to address inequality as the ultimate Sisyphean task – but it’s a task he never shied away from.
“He’s treated every day in his role as a MP as an opportunity to stand up for people who needed it.”
Mr Gepp will continue to represent the electorate of Northern Victoria until the next election.
LIMBRICK TURNS FOCUS TO FEDERAL ELECTION
Liberal Democrats MP David Limbrick will run at the top of his party’s Senate ticket at the federal election, forcing him to vacate his seat in the Victorian parliament.
The party on Thursday announced Mr Limbrick would run at the next national poll alongside newcomers Krystle Mitchell and Caroline White.
Ms Mitchell was a senior Victoria Police officer, but quit the force after she went public with her concerns about the state’s Covid response and enforcing public health directions.
Ms White is the director of Two Shoes Dance Academy and has previously spoken out about her business being damaged by pandemic restrictions.
Mr Limbrick confirmed that he would have to stand aside from his current role in the upper house once the federal election is called, but would continue as an MP until then.
The Liberal Democrats would then nominate a replacement.
We’ve seen over the last 20 months that the government has been infringing on the rights of Victorians,” Mr Limbrick said.
“I believe that people have woken up to the idea that they need to stand up for their rights in Victoria.
”One of the things that the Liberal Democrats has been able to do, we’ve been the party that’s been able to prove that we always stand up for your rights.
”What we haven’t seen is strong representation to stand up for rights in our federal parliament.”
Mr Limbrick said one of the party’s key policies would be an amendment to the constitution that would guarantee free speech and freedom of assembly.
“We’re also got other policies to ensure that things like lockdowns never happen again,” he said.
“We want to help the recovery by getting government off the back of businesses.
”We’ve seen a huge growth in our membership and supporter base.
“We don’t see ourselves as left or right, we believe in the philosophy of liberty and really that’s about reducing coercion.”
It comes as polling that shows alternative parties have attracted some support, particularly in outer suburbs at the edge of capital cities.
Protests opposing lockdowns or the state’s proposed pandemic legislation have also drawn large crowds on weekends.
Ms Mitchell said she had walked away from a career in policing because she was concerned about the role officers were playing in the state’s Covid response.
”Like maybe a lot of people I waited for our federal leadership to step up, while our state premiers were eroding democracy and stripping the citizens of their basic liberties and freedoms and it just didn’t happen,” she said.
”It is those experiences that have led me here today.
“I believe that the Liberal Democrats are the future of Australian politics”
Ms White said she felt for Victorians who had to deal with the harsh impact of lockdowns.
“Australia can’t continue down this path. So I’m here because I want to make a difference,” she said.
“I want to see small businesses grow within local communities so that they have access to a thriving economy.
“I believe our children deserve more (as) the next generation, particularly from their education.”
WYNNE STEPPING DOWN
Planning Minister Richard Wynne has announced he will not be contesting the state election, the fourth Labor MP to step down in the last 24 hours.
In a statement on Thursday, Mr Wynne said he would stay on as a minister until the election but would not be contesting the seat of Richmond.
“Public life is a privilege – and I have been privileged threefold.
“I was privileged to serve the people of Melbourne as Lord Mayor. I was privileged to serve the people of Australia as an advisor to one of Labor’s great reformers, former Deputy Prime Minister Brian Howe.
“And I have been privileged to serve the people of Abbotsford, Burnley, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Cremorne, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North and Richmond as the Member for Richmond.
Mr Wynne said he had enjoyed a relationship with Premier Daniel Andrews for 25 years, and was also grateful to have worked for Steve Bracks and John Brumby.
“As the son of a waterside worker, it has been an honour to serve the Australian Labor Party at a local, state and national level,” he said.
“I’m proud to be part of this socially progressive, reforming government – but I am focusing on the next 12 months.
“I look forward to getting on with the job of rolling out the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, making major planning decisions such as the ESS for the Suburban Rail Loop, and keeping our children safe.
“If you believe in social progress, there is always more work to be done.”
Premier Daniel Andrews said the Richmond MP had been a “stalwart of the Melbourne community” even before he entered state politics.
“As a member of parliament and a Minister, Richard has always brought the utmost integrity to his work, and fundamental decency in his approach to others,” he said.
“In his inaugural speech in 1999, Richard described public housing as one of Melbourne’s most valuable social assets – something to be preserved, expanded, replenished.
“I’m sure he would have pinched himself then if you’d have told him that years later, he’d be at the helm of delivering the biggest social housing build Australia has ever seen. He also ensured integrity and transparency are central to planning decisions.”
Mr Andrews said he had asked Mr Wynne to stay on with his Cabinet responsibilities.
“I want to thank him for the tireless work he’s done for our city and our state, and the heart with which he’s served those he’s represented,” he said.
“Richard has always deeply understood the honour bestowed on him by his community, and in his many years of service, he has never let them down.
“On a personal note, I owe Richard a debt of gratitude for his friendship and his frank and fearless advice over many years. I wish him, Svetlana and their sons all the best for the future.”
MORE POLITICIANS EXPECTED TO CALL TIME
Further high-profile resignations are tipped to hit Victorian Labor in the wake of Jill Hennessy’s shock resignation.
Labor’s national executive will decide on candidates in both houses of parliament by December 3, with MPs urged to make a decision on their future plans this week.
The Herald Sun can reveal other Labor MPs are also weighing up whether to run again.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne is understood to be considering whether he will quit.
Frank Maguire and Luke Donnellan have also been mentioned by insiders as possible exits as the party pushes for renewal.
Former ministers Marlene Kairouz and Robin Scott, who both featured heavily in anticorruption hearings into taxpayer-funded staff, face uncertainty about being allowed to remain in the party.
It is also understood the newly created seat of Laverton will go to right-aligned groups within the party.
Ringwood MP Dustin Halse and Yan Yean MP Danielle Green also announced in separate statements that they would step down.
The shock announcement by Ms Hennessy, once touted as a future premier, comes as Labor factions haggle for preselection of state seats.
Premier Daniel Andrews on Wednesday confirmed Ms Hennessy would not nominate for re-election.
“Every role Jill has held in this government – every achievement and every reform she’s been part of – has been underpinned by an unfaltering commitment to fairness,” Mr Andrews said in a statement.
“An ardent and passionate westie, Jill knows her community and has always advocated for the infrastructure and services they deserve.
“As a strong believer in government giving people the support they need to live prosperous lives and reach their full potential, Jill has tirelessly worked to ensure her (electorate) had the services it needs to thrive.
“I want to thank Jill for the work she’s done, her years of service to the parliament and the Labor Party, and her dedication to our great movement.
“On a personal note, I want to thank her for her years of friendship and unwavering support – and wish her, Bernie and their daughters all the best for the future.”
Ms Hennessy said family had also inspired the decision to step away from politics.
“No matter how precious your family is, politics can blind you to their needs if you’re not careful. And life is short,” she said.
“After some reflection, I came to the view that making the commitment to serve another four-year term was incompatible with the other important priorities in my life, especially if I wanted to give them all the best of me.
“It has been one the great honours of my life to represent the District of Altona in the Victorian parliament since 2010.”
In a lengthy statement published on her website Ms Hennessy tipped her hat to Daniel Andrews.
“Much of what I was able to contribute is down to the friendship and support I received from our Premier,” she said.
“I have met no one more dedicated to governing in a way that improves people’s lives by creating jobs, fairness and dignity – and he’s still going!
“History shows that it is only a rare leader that transcends the challenges of their time. Daniel Andrews is one of them.
“His leadership comes from a deep sense of fairness and a commitment to make progress even on the hard things — the harder the better.”
Ms Hennessy said her focus until the November election would be representing the communities of her electorate.
In December she stepped away from her Cabinet responsibilities, resigning as Attorney-General, citing family reasons.
“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 at the time.
“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.
“Like everyone managing the collision between work and family life, sometimes something has to give, at least for a little while.”
Ms Hennessy, one of the government’s most senior MPs, had been identified as a potential future premier.
In her time as Attorney-General Ms Hennessy, who has previously served as a health minister, oversaw the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants and significant legislative reforms.
They included decriminalising public drunkenness, a spent convictions scheme and ban on change or suppression conversion practices introduced into parliament.
In another public statement, Ms Green said she would no longer contest the seat of Yan Yean after first being elected to parliament in 2002.
“Leaving parliament does not mean retirement! I’ll continue to pursue my many passions: more jobs for people with disability, getting overseas students back to Victoria – especially to our regions, affordable and sustainable housing, sport for all, creative industries, tackling climate change and fighting injustice in all its forms,” she said.
“In my final year in the Victorian parliament, I will continue to be the voice and to deliver for the wonderful people of Yan Yean.”
Mr Halse said he spoke to Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Labor’s state secretary before informing he did not intend to nominate for Ringwood.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life,” he said.
Serving as the Member for Ringwood for the last three years has been an incredible honour and privilege.
“It’s also been a privilege to highlight the issues of mental health, homelessness, the environment, secure work, equality, and youth justice within parliamentary and policy debates.
“However, being a candidate for the Victorian Legislative Assembly requires a wholehearted four-year commitment. Our community deserves no less than a representative who is certain to be in it for the long haul. And, at this time, I cannot offer that absolute certainty.
“The global pandemic has forced us all to think about our priorities. And for me, that is looking after my young son, better supporting my wife and extended family, and taking my physical and mental health more seriously. So it is with a heavy heart, but a sense of pride and optimism about the future that I give up the opportunity to serve our community for another four years beyond 2022.”
“And just finally, but most importantly, to my amazing wife and beautiful son, and to my extended family and friends – thank you.
I look forward to spending 2022 serving the great people of Ringwood, for whom my passion absolutely remains.
Stay well, thanks for getting vaccinated, and please, as always, get in touch at any point.”
PAKULA ON THE MOVE
Ministers Jaclyn Symes and Martin Pakula are set to get prime No. 1 spots in the upper house as horse trading for the next state election kicks off.
Pre-selections for Labor seats have started in Victoria and will be resolved by December 3, with the party’s national executive to rule on candidates.
The contest has sparked lengthy haggling as competing factions fight to secure candidates in time for the 2022 poll.
The Herald Sun can reveal a key request of Premier Daniel Andrews is that Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes secure the number 1 spot for Labor in the state’s north.
The move would displace Mark Gepp, who is currently at the top of the ticket.
Another request is that Major Events Minister Martin Pakula be accommodated, with speculation mounting he could be granted the top spot in Melbourne’s south east.
The move would mean Mr Pakula moves from the lower house, for the abolished Keysborough electorate, to the upper house.
Another key agreement is that Labor’s right and left will secure one new safe seat each in the redistribution.
Other negotiations under way are how other factions will fit into the new Labor peace deal.
The Industrial Left, AWU and Moderates are not signatories in the current arrangement.
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