Jill Hennessy steps down as Victorian Attorney-General

Jill Hennessy’s decision to step down from the front bench has upset Labor planning for Dan Andrews’ successor.

Jill Hennessy says her family ‘is at a stage where they need more of me and, even more importantly, I need more of them’. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Victorian Attorney-General Jill Hennessy has announced she will step down from the Andrews government‘s front bench, citing family reasons.

The decision will have significant ramifications for Labor‘s succession planning, given Ms Hennessy has for some time been listed alongside Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan as the minister most likely to replace Daniel Andrews as premier should he retire.

Ms Hennessy, 48, said she would contest the 2022 election in her southwest Melbourne seat of Altona and hoped to serve her community “well into the future”, but that she was stepping down “for no other reason” than to be more involved in the lives of her two daughters in their final years at secondary school.

A former solicitor and adviser to then premier Steve Bracks, Ms Hennessy has served on Labor’s front bench since entering state parliament in 2010.

She was health minister from 2014 to 2018 before taking over as Attorney-General following the 2018 election.

“This tough year has prompted many Victorians to think about their lives, their families, and the things that are most important to them,” Ms Hennessy said in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon.

“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.

Jill Hennessy has been touted as top contender to be the next Victorian premier. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“I have decided to step back from my ministerial role in the Andrews Labor government and will focus on representing my wonderful constituents across the Altona district.

“I intend to recontest the 2022 state election, and with their continued trust, hope to continue to serve these terrific communities well into the future.

“I do so for no other reason than to be more involved in the lives of my two daughters as they move through the last years of high school.

“They are wonderful, smart girls becoming young women and despite the growing level of teenage sass, they continue to be my greatest source of joy.”

Jill Hennessy says she ‘made this decision with the help of my friend, a knowing dad of teenage children himself, Dan Andrews’. Picture: AAP

Ms Hennessy said the conclusion of the Lawyer X royal commission, the achievement of legislative reforms on decriminalising public drunkenness, a spent convictions scheme and the introduction to parliament of legislation to ban gay conversion therapy meant the time was “right to take a step back”.

“I’ve made this decision with the help of my friend, a knowing dad of teenage children himself, Dan Andrews,” said Ms Hennessy, who is part of the Premier’s Socialist Left faction.

“We have discussed this for some time. He has demonstrated his support for colleagues through various stages of their life journeys before, and I am particularly grateful to him for his wise counsel, compassion and understanding about my decision.

“I cannot thank him enough for his leadership, care and support.”

Mr Andrews said Ms Hennessy’s resignation from the front bench would take effect from Wednesday and he would make announcements about the ministry “in coming days”.

“Every day in these jobs is a balancing act between your public life and your private life. And I know this year, with all of its many challenges, has seen many families reassessing what the right balance looks like for them,” Mr Andrews said.

“In making this decision, Jill has made a courageous choice. Based on our conversations over recent times, I also know it is the right choice — for her and for her family — and she has my full support.

“Our cabinet has been stronger, and our state made fairer by her outstanding contribution.

“I know Jill will bring that same intellect and energy as she continues to represent the people of Altona and I am pleased that she has indicated she intends to stand again at the 2022 state election.

“On behalf of the government, I wish Jill and her family all the very best and I look forward to her continuing contribution.”

The ministerial reshuffle will be the fourth this year, following the retirement of Labor veteran Gavin Jennings in March, the sacking of Adem Somyurek and the resignations of Marlene Kairouz and Robin Scott over branch-stacking allegations in June, as well as Jenny Mikakos’s resignation as health minister amid the Coate inquiry into hotel quarantine in September.

Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said Ms Hennessy was the sixth Andrews minister to resign or be sacked this year.

“With Victoria facing a jobs and budget crisis, Labor’s ministerial musical chairs won’t help our economic recovery,” Mr O’Brien said.