Senior Andrews government minister Jaala Pulford quits politics, joins mass exodus

Jaala Pulford has joined a growing line of senior Andrews government ministers to quit politics ahead of the state election.

Senior Andrews government minister Jaala Pulford will quit politics ahead of the November election.

Ms Pulford is the latest of a string of high profile Labor ministers to walk away from public office.

In a statement on Friday morning, Ms Pulford said she had advised Premier Daniel Andrews of her decision to not recontest the 2022 state election.

“Around the time of the 2006 Commonwealth Games my family was driving through Melbourne. My husband Jeff pointed out a big building and said: ‘hey kids, Mum is going to work there’,” she said.

“Four-year-old Sinead exclaimed to her little brother ‘it’s a fairy castle!’

“That little brother is now 18.

“We still call Parliament House ‘fairy castle’ and while that may never change, the time has come for me to seek new challenges.”

Ms Pulford, who lives in Ballarat and represents the Western Victoria region in the upper house, said representing her community has been an “extraordinary privilege”.

“Serving the people that rely on Labor governments has been a tremendous honour,” she said.

“While it is amazing to pass a law, design a program or fund a project, the best thing about being a politician is the people we meet.”

Daniel Andrews says Jaala Pulford has long been a ‘devoted advocate’ for working people. Picture: Luis Ascui

Ms Pulford joins former senior ministers James Merlino, Martin Foley, Martin Pakula, Lisa Neville, Jill Hennessy, Richard Wynne and Luke Donnellan in leaving state politics.

Ms Pulford, who currently holds the ministerial portfolios of employment, innovation, small business, resources, medical research and the digital economy, will remain in cabinet until the end of the term.

Mr Andrews said Ms Pulford has long been a “devoted advocate” for working people.

“Sixteen years ago, Jaala rose to her feet to make her inaugural speech in the newly constituted Legislative Council of Victoria,” the Premier said.

“She spoke of the profound role decent work can play in giving people the dignity they deserve, the profound harm a workplace injury can cause – and the profound duty governments have to protect workers who, for whatever reason, cannot negotiate a better deal themselves.

“She carried that compassion with her into Parliament, and I have no doubt it’s what has driven her every day.

“Her achievements in government have been outstanding.”

Ms Pulford was Victoria’s first female Agriculture Minister, where she played a “crucial role” in efforts to legalise locally manufactured medicinal cannabis for use in exceptional circumstances.

When elected in 2014, Ms Pulford’s daughter, Sinead, died after a battle with cancer.

Last Sunday, Ms Pulford pledged a new $35m package to fight cancer in kids.

Mr Andrews said she made the Victorian parliament a “kinder, more thoughtful place”.

“We all were, and still are, in awe of Jaala’s strength. To see her continue to manage her ministerial responsibilities with such heart, while holding onto that pain, was nothing short of remarkable,” he said

“She gave us all cause to reflect, and to garner a little perspective. She will be sorely missed by many on both sides of the aisle.”

Originally published as Senior Andrews government minister Jaala Pulford quits politics, joins mass exodus