Victorian Minister, Luke Donnellan, has this afternoon resigned from Cabinet, effective immediately, after being accused of paying for party memberships.
In a short statement, Premier Dan Andrews confirmed the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers’ departure.
“I thank Luke for his contribution to the government in his various ministerial portfolios, particularly his hard work in child protection, disability and ageing,” the Premier said.
“He has been a passionate advocate for vulnerable kids, people with disability and older Victorians and he leaves a legacy of reform of which he can be proud.”
Mr Andrews said that “due to inquiries currently on foot” he would not be making further comment regarding the Minister’s departure.
Victoria’s corruption watchdog, IBAC, is currently investigating allegations of branch stacking by the Labor Party.
Labor MP, Anthony Byrne, told an IBAC hearing today that he had spent as much as $2,000 of his own money on party memberships for people and said he was aware that Mr Donnellan had also done so.
Just hours after Mr Byrne’s evidence, Mr Donnellan handed in his resignation.
In a separate statement, shortly before the Premier’s, Mr Donnellan admitted he had breached party rules.
“Today I called the Premier to inform him that I’m stepping down as a Minister in the Andrews Government,” he said.
“I accept that I have previously breached party rules while a Minister.
“But let me be very clear: I never misused public funds or resources in any way. And this has absolutely nothing to do with my staff.
“However, I don’t believe it is possible or appropriate to maintain my Ministerial responsibilities given these rule breaches. The work to support vulnerable Victorians is too important, especially during the pandemic.”
He said serving as a Minister had been an incredible privilege and thanked the Premier and his colleagues for the opportunity.
“I also thank my staff and all the department officials who have been working so bloody hard to support the community. You’ve been marvellous.”
