By Ewen McRae
Newly re-elected MP Natalie Hutchins has stepped down from the cabinet.
The member for Sydenham was re-elected to Parliament for a third term on Saturday, but released a statement on Monday stating that she wanted to spend more time with her family.
“I would like to thank the voters of Sydenham for electing me for a third term as their representative in Parliament,” Ms Hutchins said.
“After an amazing four years as a minister in the Andrews Labor government I have decided not to recontest my position in the cabinet in order to focus on my family and myself after the passing of my husband Stephen Hutchins last year.
“I would like to thank the Premier for his steadfast professional and personal support in good and bad times, as well as the cabinet team.”
Ms Hutchins held the Aboriginal Affairs, Industrial Relations, Women, and Prevention of Family Violence portfolios, and has played a key role in implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence in recent years.
She said she was proud of all she had been able to achieve over the past four years in cabinet.
“I am proud to have been a part of a government that committed to treaty with the states’ traditional owners, improved conditions for vulnerable workers, established Respect Victoria and ensured women have an equal voice in everything it does,” Ms Hutchins said.
“I look forward to working hard to keep delivering for the western suburbs as part of the Andrews Labor
government into the future.”
