Arabic version: وزراء فيكتوريا المخضرمون يعلنون التقاعد قبل الانتخابات الحكومية

Three veteran Labor ministers in Victoria have announced their retirement ahead of the upcoming state election in November. Health Minister Mary Anne Thomas, Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson, and Minister for Water Gayle Tierney will not contest their respective seats, marking the end of an era for the state government.

According to ABC News, the trio will step down from their ministerial roles immediately. The Labor caucus is scheduled to meet tomorrow to appoint new cabinet members to fill the vacant positions.

Premier Jacinta Allan expressed her gratitude to the retiring ministers, acknowledging their significant contributions to the state and the Labor movement. “They have each left an indelible mark on this state, our government and the great Labor movement,” she stated.

Mary Anne Thomas, who has served as the member for Macedon since 2014, reflected on her tenure, stating that her time in public service has been rewarding, especially during her leadership in the health portfolio during the COVID-19 pandemic. Danny Pearson, who has been the member for Essendon since 2014, shared his emotional farewell, thanking his constituents for their support and highlighting his achievement in banning engineered stone across the state.

Gayle Tierney, the longest-serving of the three, has represented the Western Victoria Region since 2006 and expressed her commitment to serving her constituents until the election. She remarked that while it is a sad day, it is also an exciting opportunity for her and her family to move forward. Victorians will head to the polls for the state election on November 28.