Altona MP Jill Hennessy has announced she will not be seeking re-election in 2022.
In a statement posted to her Facebook today, Ms Hennessy wrote that last year she stepped back from the Cabinet to spend more time with her daughters as they prepare for their final years of high school.
“No matter how precious your family is, politics can blind you their needs if you’re not careful,” she stated.
“After some reflection, I came to the view that making the commitment to serve another four-year term was incompatible with the other important priorities in my life, especially if I wanted to give them all the best of me.
“So, I have advised the premier that I will not be seeking preselection to stand as a candidate at the 2022 Victorian state election.”
Ms Hennessy wrote that representing Altona in state parliament since 2010 “has been one the great honours of my life”.
During her political career, Ms Hennessay has also served as Attorney-General, Minister for Workplace Safety and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services.
“I thank the many wonderful communities, leaders, organisations and people from Melbourne’s West I have worked with to represent and build a better quality of life for all. I will always be their ardent cheerleader,” her Facebook post read.
“My deep thanks to my staff, local branch members and volunteers who have worked so hard for our collective success over many years.”
Ms Hennessy added that for the next year, she would remain focused on representing the communities of the Altona district.
Premier Daniel Andrews said that Ms Hennessy has displayed an “unfaltering commitment to fairness” during her time in the state government.
“As Health Minister in our first term of government, Jill was championing immunisation and taking on anti-vaxxers long before it was a global phenomenon,” Mr Andrews said.
He described Ms Hennessy as “an ardent and passionate Westie”.
“Jill knows her community and has always advocated for the infrastructure and services they deserve,” Mr Andrews said.
“As a strong believer in government giving people the support they need to live prosperous lives and reach their full potential, Jill has tirelessly worked to ensure her had the services it needs to thrive.
“I want to thank Jill for the work she’s done, her years of service to the Parliament and the Labor Party, and her dedication to our great movement. On a personal note, I want to thank her for her years of friendship and unwavering support – and wish her, Bernie and their daughters all the best for the future.”
