‘Got a bit ahead of himself’: why this veteran politician is stepping down for good
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Stepping away from a high-profile role is never an easy decision, especially after years of dedicated service and a legacy that shaped an entire landscape.
What led to this unexpected announcement has sparked questions and reflections on the challenges of leadership and the weight of public life.
What comes next is a moment of reckoning for both the individual and the system they leave behind.
Tim Pallas, Victoria’s longest-serving stand-alone treasurer, announced his resignation from politics. This marks the end of his 18-year career as the Member for Werribee.
His departure, expected by the end of the week, concludes a decade in the treasurer's role and 14 years as a minister.
Speaking outside Treasury Place in Melbourne on Monday, Mr Pallas confirmed the decision, citing the need for a ‘new perspective’ within the state government.
‘You don’t get good government without accountability,’ he said, acknowledging he occasionally ‘got a bit ahead of himself’ during his tenure.
Reflecting on his career, he added, ‘After 10 years of being the longest-serving stand-alone treasurer the state has ever had, I think we can look back and say the economy is solid, the fiscal position is improving and sound.
‘Ultimately, there’s no great time to leave the great honour that is public office, but that time for me has come.’
‘We need to have a new perspective, new insights; good governments know they have to renew themselves.’
When asked about regrets, Mr Pallas admitted he was ‘human’ and prone to mistakes but remained proud of his efforts.
‘We’re all human,’ he said. ‘We have to acknowledge that in public life, we try our hardest to do the best we can.’
‘I think we can look back and say there are things that could have been executed better, but that’s simply acknowledging we’re all human.’
His resignation came after the state’s mid-year budget update was released on 13 December.
The update included major changes, such as nearly doubling the fire levy and raising parking fees in inner suburbs. These measures were introduced to address Victoria’s growing debt.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers declined to comment directly on Mr Pallas’ legacy when asked, stating, ‘I’m not going to have a shot at him on the way out the door.’
‘I’m focused on my budget and the budget update that [Finance Minister Katy Gallagher] and I will update on Wednesday. I won’t give the Victorians free advice.’
Expressing gratitude during his announcement, Mr Pallas thanked his staff for their unwavering support and the Australian trade union movement from which he began his career.
‘I would like to sincerely thank my staff who have worked so tirelessly and fearlessly for the government, the people of Werribee and of Victoria.’
‘You live your values every day,’ he said.
Rumours about Mr Pallas’ resignation initially surfaced in May, but the official confirmation arrived during a challenging financial period for the state.
In a previous story, we covered the state government’s announcement of $100 million in unclaimed funds that are now available to those who might be eligible.
If you're wondering how you could claim a portion of this, read the full article here.
With the state's financial challenges ahead, the question remains: who will step up to guide Victoria through this next chapter?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let us know in the comments.
What led to this unexpected announcement has sparked questions and reflections on the challenges of leadership and the weight of public life.
What comes next is a moment of reckoning for both the individual and the system they leave behind.
Tim Pallas, Victoria’s longest-serving stand-alone treasurer, announced his resignation from politics. This marks the end of his 18-year career as the Member for Werribee.
His departure, expected by the end of the week, concludes a decade in the treasurer's role and 14 years as a minister.
Speaking outside Treasury Place in Melbourne on Monday, Mr Pallas confirmed the decision, citing the need for a ‘new perspective’ within the state government.
‘You don’t get good government without accountability,’ he said, acknowledging he occasionally ‘got a bit ahead of himself’ during his tenure.
Reflecting on his career, he added, ‘After 10 years of being the longest-serving stand-alone treasurer the state has ever had, I think we can look back and say the economy is solid, the fiscal position is improving and sound.
‘Ultimately, there’s no great time to leave the great honour that is public office, but that time for me has come.’
‘We need to have a new perspective, new insights; good governments know they have to renew themselves.’
When asked about regrets, Mr Pallas admitted he was ‘human’ and prone to mistakes but remained proud of his efforts.
‘We’re all human,’ he said. ‘We have to acknowledge that in public life, we try our hardest to do the best we can.’
‘I think we can look back and say there are things that could have been executed better, but that’s simply acknowledging we’re all human.’
His resignation came after the state’s mid-year budget update was released on 13 December.
The update included major changes, such as nearly doubling the fire levy and raising parking fees in inner suburbs. These measures were introduced to address Victoria’s growing debt.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers declined to comment directly on Mr Pallas’ legacy when asked, stating, ‘I’m not going to have a shot at him on the way out the door.’
‘I’m focused on my budget and the budget update that [Finance Minister Katy Gallagher] and I will update on Wednesday. I won’t give the Victorians free advice.’
Expressing gratitude during his announcement, Mr Pallas thanked his staff for their unwavering support and the Australian trade union movement from which he began his career.
‘I would like to sincerely thank my staff who have worked so tirelessly and fearlessly for the government, the people of Werribee and of Victoria.’
‘You live your values every day,’ he said.
Rumours about Mr Pallas’ resignation initially surfaced in May, but the official confirmation arrived during a challenging financial period for the state.
In a previous story, we covered the state government’s announcement of $100 million in unclaimed funds that are now available to those who might be eligible.
If you're wondering how you could claim a portion of this, read the full article here.
With the state's financial challenges ahead, the question remains: who will step up to guide Victoria through this next chapter?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let us know in the comments.
