Luke Donnellan: Victorian Labor MP quits after explosive IBAC claims

Victoria’s inquiry into allegations of Labor branch stacking has claimed its first ministerial scalp with the resignation of Luke Donnellan.

Victorian Labor MP Luke Donnellan has resigned. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Victoria’s IBAC inquiry into allegations of Labor Party branch stacking has taken just under five hours to claim its first ministerial scalp with the resignation from the Andrews government ministry of Disability, Ageing and Carers and Child Protection Minister Luke Donnellan.

The Australian understands Mr Donnellan phoned Premier Daniel Andrews earlier on Monday afternoon, and intends to remain on the backbench.

Mr Donnellan has become the fourth minister to stand down amid allegations of branch-stacking after his former factional leader Adem Somyurek and allies Marlene Kairouz and Robin Scott were forced to resign in 2020.

Mr Donnellan’s resignation from the ministry comes after federal Labor MP and Somyurek faction defector Anthony Byrne told IBAC on Monday morning that he, Mr Somyurek and Mr Donnellan had paid thousands of dollars to renew party memberships on behalf of others.

In a statement issued shortly before 3:30pm, Mr Donnellan said he accepted that he had previously breached Labor Party rules while a minister, but denied he had ever misused public funds or resources.

“Today I called the Premier to inform him that I’m stepping down as a minister in the Andrews government,” Mr Donnellan said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Geraghty

“I accept that I have previously breached party rules while a minister.

“But let me be very clear: I never misused public funds or resources in any way. And this has absolutely nothing to do with my staff.

“However, I don’t believe it is possible or appropriate to maintain my ministerial responsibilities given these rule breaches.”

Mr Donnellan said his previous ministerial role supporting vulnerable Victorians was “too important, especially during the pandemic” for him to remain in the role given the circumstances.

“Serving as a minister in this government has been an incredible privilege and I thank the Premier and my colleagues for that opportunity,” he said.

“I also thank my staff and all the department officials who have been working so bloody hard to support the community. You’ve been marvellous.”

In a statement issued minutes later, Mr Andrews said Mr Donnellan had advised him on Monday afternoon that he would be “resigning from the ministry effective immediately.”

“I thank Luke for his contribution to the government in his various ministerial portfolios, particularly his hard work in child protection, disability and ageing,” Mr Andrews said.

“He has been a passionate advocate for vulnerable kids, people with disability and older Victorians and he leaves a legacy of reform of which he can be proud.

“Luke’s work has seen a transformation of the system for children and families in Victoria, investing in hundreds of dedicated child protection workers and navigators to do their important work supporting families and kids – making sure they have the stable foundation to begin their lives.”

Mr Andrews avoided commenting on the reason for Mr Donnellan’s resignation, saying: “Due to inquiries currently on foot, I will not be making further comment.”

“Further announcements about the ministry will be made in due course,” Mr Andrews said.

Asked at Monday’s earlier Covid-19 press conference whether Mr Donnellan should step down in light of Mr Byrne’s evidence, Health Minister Martin Foley said he was “not here to run a commentary on an independent commission that has clearly now started its public hearings.”

“That’s a matter for IBAC and it would not be appropriate for me to run a commentary on a live series of matters and I won’t be,” Mr Foley said.

He again declined to comment when asked to respond to IBAC’s focus on events which occurred in 2002 and Mr Somyurek’s observation on Twitter that “Dan (Andrews) and I went into parliament in 2002 what a coincidence”.

Asked whether Mr Byrne’s account of the Labor Party as being “completely out of control” with “rampant” branch-stacking and coercion of ministerial staff, Mr Foley said: “No, that’s not my experience, but nor will I be taking your invitation to go down the path of offering public commentary on an independent, broad-based commission’s real, live consideration of these issue.”

“That isn’t appropriate and I’ll resist your invitation to do so,” Mr Foley said.

A cabinet meeting is being held on Monday afternoon.