Werribee MP and long time Treasurer Tim Pallas has announced he is resigning from the Victorian state parliament.
Mr Pallas announced on Monday morning after 18 years in parliament that he was stepping down.
He served at the member of Tarneit before becoming the member for Werribee when the boundaries were redrawn.
Mr Pallas served 14 years as a minister and 10 years at treasurer. More recently, as well as being treasurer he has been the Industrial Relations and Economic Growth Minister.
“I have been honoured and humbled to serve the Victorian people,” Mr Pallas said in a statement.
“Renewal is important, and after 10 years as treasurer it is time for me to hand over the reins.
“Importantly, this will allow the government to establish the strong team that will contest the 2026 election.”
Mr Pallas thanked the staff he had worked with, the Australian trade union movement he come from and the people of Werribee and Victoria.
“It has been an honour to serve in the Allan Labor government and I wish the premier, my cabinet and caucus colleagues all the very best for the future,” he said.
“The people of Victoria deserve a government that provides a clear and inclusive vision and Premier [Jacinta] Allan and her team provides exactly that now and into the future.”
Ms Allan paid tribute to Mr Pallas in a statement.
The two met when Ms Allan was elected in 1999 and Mr Pallas was chief of staff to the premier.
“Over the next 25 years, we would work together as MPs, cabinet colleagues, collaborators and builders,” she said. “Most importantly, as mates.
“Bonded by our shared passion for building infrastructure, karaoke – and our steadfast belief that Labor governments change lives.
“For more than 40 years, Tim has put those values to action, as a union organiser, union leader, advisor, MP, minister and treasurer. ”
“Tim has always said, a truly strong economy is one that works for working people – not the other way around. ”
Ms Allan said while Mr Pallas served many roles, his most precious role was was representing the people of Werribee.
She said he had been a staunch voice for the western suburbs and the people who call them home.
