I have decided that I won’t be contesting next year’s state election.
I want to acknowledge how incredibly lucky I am to have my brilliant, beautiful wife, my fantastic daughters, their partners, my grandkids, and close friends keeping me sane and centred during my time as a Member of Parliament.
I feel so fortunate and privileged to be a Member of Parliament for the great state of Victoria, and to have been afforded the opportunity to advocate for many, many good people and good causes in my electorate and across this great state.
I want to thank Jacinta Allan and former Labor premiers, deputy premiers, Labor leaders in the Legislative Council, ministers, and all my colleagues who have given me the opportunity to be part of many wonderful projects over the years – from leading the development of the first Victorian Government Social Procurement Framework to supporting local projects such as the creation of the ngarrak nakorang wilam park (formerly known as Healesville Fwy Reserve).
From the Parliament catering team’s production of 1.8 million meals distributed to people in need during the pandemic to putting a clear position to the Federal Government on Victorian veterans’ call for a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Nothing can be achieved by MPs without the support of great, hard-working staff. I’m incredibly fortunate to have had amazing support from such fantastic, dedicated, intelligent staff in my electorate office and during my time as a Minister, as well as from
Parliament staff in my current role as President.
I also want to acknowledge the Labor Party, the Labour movement, and all the wonderful ALP branch members who I’ve had the privilege to work alongside for such a long time.
I plan to work hard for the remainder of this term and look forward to following the careers of some great new talent in the Victorian Parliament in the future.
Shaun Leane MLC