Two ministers desert Brumby weeks from poll

THE Brumby government has lost two senior ministers just seven weeks from the state election.

THE Brumby government has lost two senior ministers just seven weeks from the state election.

The shock resignation of Bob Cameron comes with news of the less surprising retirement of Peter Batchelor.

The 11-year-old Labor government is portraying the loss of the two ministers as proof of "renewal" while the opposition says the exits are ministers "jumping" from a sinking ship.

Mr Cameron, who faced serious criticism over his performance as police minister over rising crime and as emergency services minister during Black Saturday, has quit due to health issues with one of his children.

An MP since 1996, Mr Cameron held back tears as he announced his decision not to contest his country seat of Bendigo West on November 27.

"This is the toughest decision that I've had to make politically but it's also the simplest," the 47-year-old said. "I love being a minister and making change, I love this government, I love the caucus but I love my wife and family more."

Mr Batchelor, the Energy and Arts Minister, also cited family reasons for bowing out of politics after a 20-year career. He had been denying all year that he would resign before next month's election.

The former transport minister - who introduced the much-maligned and expensive ticketing system Myki - said he was giving up his job because his wife had retired. He said it was unfair to the relationship for him to continue in his demanding job.

"It's a hard thing to give up as a politician, I've got a spot in cabinet, I've got one of the safest seats in Victoria," Mr Batchelor said. "I'm really delighted to have served in this government but also to have served in the northern suburbs of Melbourne."

The resignations come after the departure of struggling former transport and arts minister Lynne Kosky, who left for family reasons earlier in the year.

Labor officials will meet today and it is expected former trades hall official Bronwyn Halfpenny and parliamentary staffer Maree Edwards will secure preselection for the safe Labor seats.

The formal nomination process will close next week and Labor candidates will be announced soon after.

Premier John Brumby said he was not concerned about losing senior cabinet ministers so close to the election.

"It's the right thing for them," he said.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: MICHAELA BOLAND