Another Victorian minister has thrown in the towel ahead of the 2022 state election. Employment Minister Jaala Pulford announced this morning she won’t contest the election, saying it is time to “make way for the next generation”.
Pulford joins a growing list of retiring government MPs in Victoria, becoming the 15th to call it quits at the election, by Crikey‘s count.
Pulford has been in Parliament for 16 years. Her retirement means Daniel Andrews’ government will lose 227 years of combined experience when it goes to the polls on November 26.
NSW, which is scheduled to hold its election in March, has seen a growing number of government resignations as well.
With the news earlier in the week NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard won’t recontest his seat, the number of quitting government MPs in NSW grew to 12.
Those 12 MPs have sat in Parliament for a combined 192 years.
The total loss of parliamentary experience in both states will be 419 years. Hazzard is by far the longest-serving among them, having held his Wakehurst seat since 1991.
Pulford said in her resignation statement it had been an “extraordinary privilege” to serve the people of Western Victoria since 2006.
“I’m conscious that I’m making this decision on the eve of a state election but I’m absolutely confident that the time is right for me, and for the government,” she said.
“I’ve given my all to public life, but it’s given me so much more. It’s time for me to make way for the next generation, and I cannot wait to see them thrive.”
In a statement, Andrews lauded Pulford for her work in government, including an election promise made last week for a new $35 million package to fund research into paediatric cancer.
Pulford, who is also minister for medical research, lost a daughter to cancer in 2014.
“[Pulford] made the Victorian Parliament a kinder, more thoughtful place. She gave us all cause to reflect, and to garner a little perspective,” Andrews said.
Victorian MPs who will retire
Jaala Pulford, upper house MP for Western Victoria, employment minister — 16 years in Parliament.
Martin Foley, Albert Park MP, ex-health minister — 15 years.
James Merlino, Monbulk MP, ex-deputy premier — 20 years.
Lisa Neville, Bellarine MP, ex-police minister — 19 years.
Martin Pakula, Keysborough MP, ex-trade minister — 16 years.
Luke Donnellan, Narre Warren North MP, ex-child protection minister — 19 years.
John Eren, Lara MP, ex-sport minister — 19 years.
Mark Gepp, upper house MP for Northern Victoria — five years.
Danielle Green, Yan Yean MP — 19 years.
Dustin Halse, Ringwood MP — three years.
Jill Hennessy, Altona MP, ex-attorney general — 12 years.
Marlene Kairouz, Kororoit MP, ex-suburban development minister — 14 years.
Frank McGuire, Broadmeadows MP — 11 years.
Robin Scott, Preston MP, ex-veterans minister — 16 years.
Richard Wynne, Richmond MP, ex-planning minister — 23 years.
NSW MPs who will retire
Brad Hazzard, Wakehurst MP, health minister — 32 years.
David Elliott, Baulkham Hills MP, transport minister — 12 years.
Rob Stokes, Pittwater MP, infrastructure minister — 16 years.
Jonathan O’Dea, Davidson MP, speaker — 16 years.
Geoff Lee, Parramatta MP, corrections minister — 12 years.
Victor Dominello, Ryde MP, customer service minister — 15 years.
Kevin Connolly, Riverstone MP — 12 years.
Gabrielle Upton, Vaucluse MP, ex-attorney general — 12 years.
Shelley Hancock, South Coast MP, ex-local government minister — 20 years.
Stephen Bromhead, Myall Lakes MP — 12 years.
Chris Gulaptis, Clarence MP — 12 years.
Melinda Pavey, Oxley MP, ex-water minister — 21 years.
Why are so many ministers quitting the NSW and Victorian governments? Let us know your thoughts by writing to letters@crikey.com.au. Please include your full name to be considered for publication. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
