Jill Hennessy has announced that she will step back from her ministerial role as Attorney-General, effective today.
Every day in these jobs is a balancing act between your public life and your private life. And I know this year, with all of its many challenges, has seen many families reassessing what the right balance looks like for them.
In making this decision, Jill has made a courageous choice. Based on our conversations over recent times, I also know it is the right choice – for her and for her family – and she has my full support.
From the very beginning of our Government, Jill has been a valued member of our Cabinet, serving first as Minister for Health and Ambulance Services before taking on the portfolios of Attorney-General and, until recently, Workplace Safety.
In all of these roles she has had a profound impact on our state – steering the ground-breaking reform of voluntary assisted dying, securing our nation’s first wage theft laws, legislating nurse-to-patient ratios, introducing workplace manslaughter laws, and of course, making sure Victoria’s justice system remained steady in the wake of a global pandemic.
Our Cabinet has been stronger, and our state made fairer by her outstanding contribution.
I know Jill will bring that same intellect and energy as she continues to represent the people of Altona and I am pleased that she has indicated she intends to stand again at the 2022 State Election.
On behalf of the Government, I wish Jill and her family all the very best and I look forward to her continuing contribution.
Announcements about the ministry will be made in coming days.
