Daniel Andrews itching to get back to the job of running his state

Daniel Andrews is expected to ­return to work in mid to late June as his government prepares for the transition back to life under the energetic but polarising leader.

Daniel Andrews. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

Daniel Andrews is expected to ­return to work in mid to late June as his government prepares for the transition back to life under the energetic but polarising leader.

The Victorian Premier has privately had a “guts full” of dealing with his broken back and ribs but is progressing well, according to people familiar with his injury.

Despite speculation about ­potential interest in the top job, Acting Premier James Merlino will happily hand back the keys to Spring Street, having been judged internally as having done a good job over the past two months.

Doctors are believed to be happy with Mr Andrews’ recovery, but on the current timetable he will have been away from the ­office for between three and four months, a rare occurrence for a modern leader.

Mr Andrews fractured a vertebra and broke several ribs when he fell on stairs on March 9. It is expected that Mr Andrews will face heavy questioning about the circumstances of the fall when he finally returns to walk.

The Australian understands that Mr Merlino, a member of the Right faction in caucus, is not interested in running for the leadership.

Mr Andrews has been Labor leader for more than a decade, ­including 6½ as Premier.

His legacy was dented last year when more than 800 people died after the coronavirus leaked out of hotel quarantine into the Victorian community.

The Australian revealed this week that there were ongoing problems with the hotel quarantine system. There also are concerns over the state of the Victorian QR system, with contact-tracing at the heart of the state’s ability to fight off another wave.

Labor sources said that while Mr Merlino had performed well as Acting Premier, according to Labor assessments, there was an understanding that he lacked the breadth of policy understanding possessed by Mr Andrews.

“There is a natural consequence of being leader for such a long time,” a senior party source said.

“Dan knows his way around most things whereas James has to ask questions.”

Mr Merlino’s apparent reluctance to run for the leadership suggests that another senior minister, Jacinta Allan, is the frontrunner to replace Mr Andrews.

An Andrews supporter said the Premier was focused on the 2022 election and would probably quit parliament during that term.