Ewen McRae
Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins has rejoined the Cabinet as the fallout from a Labor Party branch stacking scandal continues.
Premier Daniel Andrews welcomed Ms Hutchins back to the ministry last Thursday.
“In 2018, Nat made the difficult decision to step back from the Cabinet, giving her time and space to focus on her family following the passing of her husband, Stephen,” Mr Andrews said.
“If you know Nat, you know her remarkable courage and conviction. Her return to Cabinet is testament to that tenacity – and we are extraordinarily proud to welcome her back.”
Her portfolio had not been announced at the time of publication.
Ms Hutchins’ appointment came after local MP Marlene Kairouz stepped away from her ministerial portfolio.
Ms Kariouz represents the Kororoit electorate, which includes Caroline Springs, Albanvale and parts of Deer Park and St Albans, and held the suburban development portfolio until her resignation last week.
Despite Premier Daniel Andrews standing by Ms Kairouz amid allegations she encouraged parliamentary staff to work on branch stacking activities with dumped power broker Adem Somyurek, Ms Kairouz tendered her ministerial resignation.
“This morning I notified the Premier that I will stand aside from my ministerial responsibilities and notified the Governor of the resignation of my commission,” Ms Kairouz said.
“It has been an enormous honour to serve the Victorian people across a number of portfolios including Suburban Development, Local Government and Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation.
“I no longer want these matters to be a distraction to the government. They have placed enormous pressure on my family and caused them great distress.
“I look forward to the opportunity to clear my name and am confident any investigative process will do so.
“I note that these matters do not relate to any allegations of criminality or corruption.
“I will continue to serve my electorate of Kororoit, which remains the greatest honour of my life.”
It follows a report from The Age and 60 Minutes which detailed use of taxpayer-funder employees for party political activity.
The allegations have been referred to Victoria Police and the state anti-corruption watchdog IBAC for investigation.
Mr Somyurek has been expelled from the Labor Party and removed from the government.
Last week, assistant treasurer Robin Scott also resigned his post in cabinet in the wake of the scandal.
Former Premier Steve Bracks and ex-deputy federal leader Jenny Macklin have been appointed as administrators of the ALP state branch until January next year in a bid to reform the party and eliminate branch stacking.
