LONG-SERVING State Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio will quit politics, ending her 24-year stint when the election is held in November.
The resignation of Ms D’Ambrosio, as well as Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing, marked a dramatic week for the Victorian Labor Party, which saw Premier Jacinta Allan resign from the job, and the job taken by Minister for Education Ben Carroll.
Mr Carroll spoke highly of Ms D’Ambrosio’s commitment to responding to climate change.
“Lily D’Ambrosio has been at the forefront of Victoria’s response to climate change,” he said.
“Her leadership has made Victoria a national leader in renewable energy, driven ambitious emissions reduction targets and laid the foundations for a cleaner, more sustainable future. The progress Victoria has made towards achieving our climate change targets stands as one of her enduring legacies.
“Lily has been a tireless advocate for her community and has been a powerful figure. Her commitment to public service, her integrity and her determination to delivering lasting change have earned the respect of colleagues, stakeholders and communities across our state.
“Lily has never sought the spotlight. Instead, as the longest serving Energy Minister in Australia she has focused on the hard work of governing – making decisions in the long-term interests of Victorians and always putting the community first.
“For 24 years, she has been a tireless advocate for the people of Mill Park – working every day to deliver better schools, roads, community facilities and local services, while never losing sight of the people who placed their trust in her.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said there were many milestones across her 24 years in the role.
“It has been my proud honour to have represented the people of Mill Park since 2002,” she said.
“Meeting with and listening to people about what matters to them and ultimately fighting for them has been a tremendous privilege.
“I have had the privilege to help deliver the first of many policy reforms to navigate the profound transformation of our energy system, with people always at the heart of change. We’ve implemented nation-leading energy consumer protections, grown clean renewable energy, and reduced our greenhouse gas emissions all whilst saving Victorians on their energy bills and securing our energy future.
“With our first offshore wind auction set to launch in August and Victoria now well placed to manage any further disruption to global fuel markets, I have decided that it is time to step back.
“It has also been my immense privilege to serve as Australia’s longest serving Energy and Climate Minister.
“Back in 2014 not a lot of people thought about energy too much. Of course, the decade that followed changed all that.
“To the wonderful people who have staffed my electorate office, led by Eric Seychell and Lidia Argondizzo. Thank you.
“To my family: Andrew, Eleanor, Madeleine and Joel. Thank you for everything. I love you.
“And finally, I hope that my life in public service shows all girls what is possible for them no matter their faith, what they look like or the way they speak. Always back yourselves and each other.”
