MEMBER for Yan Yean Danielle Green will not contest next year’s Victorian election according to Premier Daniel Andrews.
Mr Andrews released a statement on Wednesday afternoon confirming Ms Green would not seek re-election after nearly 20 years representing the electorate.
Ms Green is only the second MP to represent Yan Yean after the seat was established in 1992.
“During her nearly two decades of service, Danielle presided over immense change in her area – with Yan Yean going from a semi-rural outpost north of Epping, to taking in Mernda, Wallan and Beveridge and becoming one of the fastest growing communities in our state – and no matter who she represented, she fought tooth and nail to deliver for her people,” Mr Andrews said.
“That fighting spirit has seen Danielle deliver huge wins for her community – including the return of passenger trains to Mernda for the first time in 60 years.
“Whether it’s local roads and rail, schools, access to TAFE or vital health and ambulance services, her advocacy and the outcomes she has secured will be a lasting legacy.”
Ms Green was a member of the Steve Bracks, John Brumby and Daniel Andrews Labor State Governments, as well as an opposition member during the Coalition governments headed by Ted Baillieu and Denis Napthine.
During her time in government she has served as parliamentary secretary for regional Victoria, sport, tourism and major events, and police and emergency services.
Mr Andrews paid special tribute to Ms Green’s service as a member of the Diamond Creek CFA during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
“Danielle was a member of the Diamond Creek CFA – as she puts it, she is a ‘joiner’ – and set about, along with hundreds and thousands of other Victorian heroes, to fight that deadly blaze,” he said.
“In doing so, she did herself, her family, her community and her state proud – and this work has continued throughout the rest of her parliamentary career, supporting those people and communities along the long and arduous road to recovery from both visible and invisible scars.”
Mr Andrews invoked a parliamentary speech given by Ms Green only weeks after Black Saturday:
“My community lost so many beautiful, creative and passionate people on this dreadful day.
“I mourn each and every one of you, and I commit that I am dedicated to seeing the beautiful place that we all love for its environment and its people restored in your name.
“The pond of our grief spreads ever wider and deeper for those we have lost, but we will never forget.”
Mr Andrews said Ms Green remained true to her word and never forgot.
“I thank Danielle for her many years of service to the Parliament and the Labor Party, and wish her the very best for the future,” he said.
See next week’s edition of the Review for more.