John Eren, Member for Lara, has advised me that he will not be seeking re-election in 2022.
John’s story is one that illustrates the many opportunities Victoria can create for migrant families. John was born in Turkey and came to Australia with his family in 1970 when he was just six years old.
Growing up in the high-rise commission flats in North Melbourne, John set about learning English quickly while his father Ali laboured as a fitter and turner. It wasn’t easy for any of them, but John’s proud working-class family did everything they could to embrace Australia and build a better life together.
The best people in public life are those who live their values. John has been an unrelenting advocate for good, secure jobs in Geelong, as well as stable skills and training pathways for the local workforce of the future.
John can be rightly proud of his part in our Government’s achievements. As a Minister, he worked tirelessly to unlock spaces for women in sport, delivering record investments in female friendly facilities and overseeing the creation of the Office of Women and Girls in Sport Recreation Victoria.
He also kickstarted Visit Victoria, which propelled our state’s visitor economy to new heights and created thousands of jobs along the way.
I know that delivering the program of commemorative events for the Centenary of Anzac was a great honour for John, and he has told me that representing Victorians for the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings is a memory he’ll hold close forever.
I wish John and his family the very best for the future. I’m grateful for his friendship and support, just as I’m grateful for his contribution to the Parliament, the Government and his local community.
I know we’ll keep seeing him live his values for years to come.
