Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says the loss of four ministers, including Deputy Premier James Merlino, offers a "critically important" chance to "refresh and renew" cabinet.
Look back to see how the day's events unfolded in our blog.
Key events
- Daniel Andrews says factional allegiances were overstated
- Cabinet reshuffle expected by 'Tuesday at the latest'
- Here's why Jacinta Allan as a pick for Deputy Premier might be a break from tradition
- What actually is a coordinating minister?
- Treasurer Tim Pallas backs Jacinta Allan for Deputy Premier
- Daniel Andrews recommends Jacinta Allan for Deputy Premier
- Daniel Andrews announces changes to Coordinating Ministers
- Why have four Victorian ministers resigned?
- Opposition says departures 'more a revolt than renewal'
- Dan Andrews says Victoria 'has never had a better Acting Premier'
- James Merlino thanks 'my great friend, Dan Andrews'
- Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews will hold a press conference at 11:00am AEST
- Which four ministers have resigned?
Live updates
By Jessica Riga
We'll wrap up our live coverage here
The Victorian Labor Party will convene for a Caucus meeting tomorrow morning to confirm the new appointments to the cabinet, so we'll wrap up our live coverage here.
You can continue to stay up to date here on the ABC New website and on our app.
Thank you for your company today, and have a lovely rest of your Friday.
By Jessica Riga
Here's a recap of what happened today:
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Four of Victoria's most senior government ministers have stepped down from their portfolios and will resign at the November election
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Those ministers are Deputy Premier and Education Minister James Merlino, Health Minister Martin Foley, Police Minister Lisa Neville and Sports Minister Martin Pakula
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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he was "forever grateful" for their contributions to government, but says the loss of four ministers offers a "critically important" chance to "refresh and renew" cabinet
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Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has criticised the mass resignation, calling it "more a revolt than renewal"
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The Parliamentary Labor Party will convene for a Caucus meeting on Saturday morning to confirm the new appointments to the cabinet
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Premier Daniel Andrews said the party would look to break from convention, where a Premier from the left of the party is counterbalanced by a deputy from the right
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He's recommended Jacinta Allan (who is from the same Socialist Left faction as Daniel Andrews) be named as Deputy Premier
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Mary-Anne Thomas, Lily D'Ambrosio, Danny Pearson, Natalie Hutchins and Ben Carroll will become new coordinating ministers across five government departments
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Coordinating ministers are the most senior minister in a government department, and provides insight into the makeup of the incoming new cabinet
By Jessica Riga
Daniel Andrews says factional allegiances were overstated
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he did not expect any factional resistance to Jacinta Allan's ascension to the Deputy Premier role and that factional allegiances were overstated.
"My recollection is that whilst, for instance, Rob Hulls did a very good impersonation of someone from the left, he was not from the left," Mr Andrews said.
"Whilst John Thwaites was a particularly progressive member of that government, he was not a member of the left."
Treasurer Tim Pallas, who represents the right faction of the Labor Party, said the party would be unified in their support for Ms Allan.
"It really befalls to be as the senior minister for the right to make it very clear that I am a very strong supporter of Jacinta Allan to be the deputy Premier," Mr Pallas said.
"I'll certainly be recommending to the right Caucuses that they should be supporting Jacinta for the role."
Reporting by Judd Boaz
By Jessica Riga
Cabinet reshuffle expected by 'Tuesday at the latest'
The Parliamentary Labor Party will convene for a Caucus meeting on Saturday morning to confirm the new appointments to the Cabinet, with the new Ministry to be sworn in by "Tuesday at the latest'.
Daniel Andrews has thrown his support behind factional ally Jacinta Allan to fill the vacated Deputy Premier role.
By Jessica Riga
Daniel Andrews says he has the energy for another three years
He acknowledged last year was difficult after suffering a back injury.
"I didn't get well to get out. I got well to get back to do the work, to finish what we started, not what I've started, but what we've started."
"There's change and refresh and renewal, and that's critically important to any team, particularly if it's going to be the best team it can be."
By Jessica Riga
Outgoing ministers join long list of those who have left since 2018
The four outgoing members join the long list of ministers who have left the ministry since the Andrews government's re-election 2018 including:
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1.
Jill Hennessy
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2.
former health minister Jenny Mikakos
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3.
Gavin Jennings
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4.
Adem Somyurek
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5.
Marlene Kairouz
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6.
Luke Donnellan
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7.
Robin Scott
By Jessica Riga
Daniel Andrews thanks Martin Pakula for the passion he brought to the job
Here's what the Victorian Premier said in the statement earlier:
"If you know Martin, you'll know about his appreciation for good, decent jobs – and for working people.
"Before he entered the Victorian Parliament, Martin had dedicated his career to protecting workers' rights. Elected against the backdrop of John Howard's WorkChoices, he'd seen first-hand how workers lose when governments work against them.
"Since then, he's spent his time in this place trying to build a better, stronger, fairer Victoria – one that protects and supports its people.
"As Attorney-General, Martin led the Government's response to victims of institutional child abuse, giving survivors the recognition, respect and support they deserve.
"He oversaw the establishment of a redress scheme, new laws to quash unfair legal loopholes stopping survivors from suing organisations for their abuse, and an Australian-first duty of care for organisations exercising care, supervision or authority over children.
"He can be rightly proud of that work.
"You’d be hard pressed to find a Racing Minister with greater passion for the sport, just as you’d be hard pressed to find a Minister who worked harder to support the industry and the jobs it sustains.
"Throughout the pandemic, Martin was a champion for the business, tourism, sporting and major events sectors. He listened to those sectors, worked with them, and gave them a voice in government.
"Most importantly, he did everything he could to keep Victorians in jobs during the most uncertain of times. A visitor economy only works when the Minister responsible for it has the energy and sense of urgency Martin is famous for.
"Indefatigable until the end, Martin has spent recent months luring some of the world’s biggest events to Victoria. The F1 is here to stay for another decade. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be a boon for our regions. Billy Joel. The Foo Fighters. All of that means thousands of jobs for Victorians.
"All of that and more is because of Martin Pakula."
By Jessica Riga
Here's why Jacinta Allan as a pick for Deputy Premier might be a break from tradition
Let's talk about political factions!
Don't know what they are? Here's a quick explainer: A political faction is like a party within a political party. The party shares a common political purpose, but factions form when individuals differ in some respected to the rest of the group.
There's a convention that, usually, a premier from the left of the party is counterbalanced by a deputy from the right.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the party would look to break from convention.
Jacinta Allan, who has previously stepped into the role of Acting Premier, is from the same Socialist Left faction as the Premier.
"I can confirm that the new leadership team has met this morning and we will together, make a recommendation to our colleagues at tomorrow morning's Caucus meeting that Jacinta Allan be as Deputy Premier," Mr Andrews said.
"I don't think it's right to talk about that sort of tradition.
"Let's not get into these sorts of games. I am very confident, just as my senior leadership team colleagues are very confident, that the Caucus will make the right decision."
By Jessica Riga
The four ministers join outgoing minister Richard Wynne
The four outgoing ministers join Planning and Housing Minister Richard Wynne, who announced last year he would not recontest his seat at the next election.
By Jessica Riga
Daniel Andrews says Lisa Neville has been a 'tireless champion' in every portfolio she's held
Here's what the Victorian Premier said in a statement released earlier:
"It was a privilege to be elected to the Victorian Parliament in the same year as Lisa. She's been a trusted colleague, a dear friend – and held in the highest regard by all.
"Lisa has been a tireless champion for every portfolio she's held.
"As Victoria's first female Minister for Police, she earned the respect of Victoria Police members and their families, force command and the Police Association.
"In 2016, Lisa drove profound change in the way Victoria Police was resourced, delivering 3,135 new frontline and specialist police – a 20 per cent boost.
"At the time, former Police Commissioner Graham Ashton called it unprecedented. And it was.
"It was the single biggest investment in Victoria Police in the history of the force, and it was delivered alongside our state's first Community Safety Statement and Staff Allocation Model – both unique, and both critical, to how police work to keep Victorians safe.
"I've long admired Lisa's openness about her battle with Crohn's disease, and how she's encouraged frank conversations about it. Lisa has always tried to make things easier for others.
"She's also always put her responsibility to the people of Bellarine and Victoria first. She's put her job ahead of her health for a very long time – and now it's time for Lisa to put herself first.
"I thank Lisa for her many years of friendship, as well as her many years of service to Victorians, the Government and the Labor Party. I wish her and her family well for the future."
By Jessica Riga
What actually is a coordinating minister?
Victorian state political reporter Richard Willingham has clarified the difference between a coordinating minister and a minister:
They are the lead ministers for each of the departments. Each department has multiple ministers, but the coordinating minister is the most senior.
The appointment of Mary-Anne Thomas to Coordinating Minister for the Department of Health, for example, is a strong indication that she is the top pick for Health Minister.
By Jessica Riga
Treasurer Tim Pallas backs Jacinta Allan for Deputy Premier
"I am a very strong supporter of Jacinta Allan to be the Deputy Premier," he says.
"I say that because I have had the opportunity to work with her for over two decades now. She's a passionate advocate in the parliament for her community. She will be a great demonstration, I believe, of this government's renewal but also its commitment.
"From my perspective, I will certainly be recommending to the right caucuses that they should be supporting Jacinta for the role."
By Jessica Riga
Daniel Andrews recommends Jacinta Allan for Deputy Premier
"I can confirm that the new leadership team has met this morning and we will, together, make our recommendation to our colleagues at tomorrow morning caucus meeting that Jacinta Allan be Deputy Premier."
The Parliamentary Labor Party will convene for a Caucus meeting on Saturday morning to make new appointments to the Cabinet, with the new Ministry to be sworn in early next week.
By Jessica Riga
James Merlino says today is 'a hard day' but 'also an exciting time'
"It is good to be here for the last time. It is a hard day. It is a sad day for me personally, but it is also an exciting time for me in my life and my family," James Merlino says.
"Can I think firstly my great friend and colleague, Dan. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be your deputy for the last 10.5 years.
"It has been an absolute honour to work alongside Dan. I will be going 100 miles an hour to make sure that we get Andrew's government elected at the election in November. But to can to, the friends, to all of my colleagues, thank you. It has been an honour to work with you.
"Time comes for everyone and in politics sometimes that is beyond your control. You lose preselection, you lose your seat at the election. For some lucky ones, and I consider myself to be incredibly lucky, we get a call time on a career. There is never a right time. This is hard.
"It is hard to leave my beloved portfolio of education and mental health. It is hard to do it. But there does come a time for everyone."
By Jessica Riga
Women now make up more than half of the Victorian government's leadership team
"That is critically important to me," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says.
"We have made some profound changes to make sure that women are safe in our state, that women are represented across government boards, courts and tribunals.
"I am very, very pleased to reflect on these new coordinating ministers. It is a team of great talent, great depth, real passion, real purpose. They will bring that sense of energy and commitment that we have seen from those who are moving on, and we know there is a lot to do. We know that we have got to continue working hard every day to make our state fairer and stronger."
By Jessica Riga
Daniel Andrews announces changes to Coordinating Ministers
Treasuer Tim Pallas remains the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Treasury and Finance
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Jacinta Allan remains the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Transport
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Ben Carroll will become the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions
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Lily D'Ambrosio will become the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Environment, Planning, Land and Water
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Natalie Hutchins will become the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Education and Training
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Danny Pearson will become the Coordinating Minister for the Departnment of Families, Fairness and Housing
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Mary-Anne Thomas will become the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Health
The Parliamentary Labor Party will convene for a Caucus meeting on Saturday morning to make new appointments to the Cabinet, with the new Ministry to be sworn in early next week.
By Jessica Riga
Daniel Andrews thanks James Merlino for his support when he almost experienced a 'life changing injury'
"James and I came into the Parliament at the same time. James is not only a trusted colleague, but a dear friend. No Premier — no Premier — could ask for a better Deputy than James Merlino.
"He is a person of courage and conviction. He is defined not just by his work — and I will come to that in a moment — but he is defined by his character, decency, his hard work, his determination to stand up to his local community, and for everybody across our community who needs a champion. In each of the portfolio areas that he has been honoured to serve in, he has brought that sense of compassion, that sense of urgency, that effectiveness to bear.
"When we came to government, our school system was, in many respects, on its knees. James has played such a massive part in building the education state. More recently, James has, of course, taken on responsibility for the implementation of Australia's first and only Royal Commission into mental health, acknowledging, as I do, that that system is broken, and that we need to do more and that we need to do better.
"James leaves that the Ministry and will leave the Parliaments knowing that just yesterday, introducing the most profound rewrite of the mental Health Act in the history of our state, leading our nation. Work has begun on a 90% of the recommendations of the Royal Commission. James can be very, very proud of that work as well. That will change lives. It will save lives.
"On a very personal note, I will never be able to repay James for his loyalty, for his friendship, for his care and comfort to me. No Premier could ever have had a better Deputy, and I don't believe Victoria could have had a better acting Premier than we had for an extended period last year.
"He has been an outstanding Deputy Premier and while I am saddened by decision, I understand, and if you look at I think almost the last line of this statement today where he indicates that his kids — three beautiful kids — are super excited that he was not going to be in politics anymore, I think that says it all.
"When it is right, it is right."
By Jessica Riga
Daniel Andrews 'very sad' to farewell 'a number of close friends and colleagues'
The Victorian Premier is speaking at a press conference now.
"I want to begin by saying I am very sad to have been advised and to announce the farewell of a number of my close friends and colleagues, both from the cabinet, who have been indicated they will not be re-contesting in the election in November.
"Not only great friends but people who have devoted so much of their working life to making our state fairer and stronger, people of great character who can be so so proud of all that they have been part of, all that they have driven and lead.
"But when the time is right, then this is the right decisions to make in the interests of not just the government but in the interests of our state."
By Jessica Riga
Daniel Andrews speaks as four Victorian ministers resign
You can watch the press conference here on the ABC News YouTube channel once it starts, which should be sometime soon.
By Jessica Riga
Why have four Victorian ministers resigned?
Deputy Premier James Merlino said the strain of political life had bled over into his personal life, and that stepping down from his role was the right decision for his family.
"Politics undoubtedly puts a greater burden on your partner than should ever be the case," he said.
"My kids are so excited that their Dad is retiring from politics. That's all I need to know that this is the right decision for my family and for me."
Health Minister Martin Foley said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville cited health concerns for her resignation, announcing her intention to step back from politics as she deals with Crohn's disease.
And Martin Pakula's seat was scrapped in a boundary redistribution ahead of the November vote, but he was tipped to move to the upper house if he stayed in politics.
"A decade in the Ministry has taught me that a government with big ambitions for the state, its people and its future is something to be cherished," Mr Pakula said in a statement.
"It's certainly not something I have ever taken for granted, and if the rest of my working life is half as rewarding as this chapter has been, I will consider myself truly fortunate."
