Labor MP for Northcote Fiona Richardson has announced she will not recontest the 2018 election as she undergoes treatment for multiple tumours.
Ms Richardson is currently the Minister for Women and Prevention of Family Violence but took leave recently because of illness.
More Victoria News Videos
- Video duration
- 00:58
'Health challenges' force MP to miss next ...
'Health challenges' force MP to miss next election
Labor MP for Northcote Fiona Richardson has announced she will not stand in the 2018 election.
Up Next
Darebin Council votes to snub Australia Day
- Video duration
- 01:40
- Video duration
- 01:40
Darebin Council votes to snub Australia ...
Darebin Council votes to snub Australia Day
The Turnbull government strips a second Melbourne council of its right to host citizenship ceremonies after it voted to stop holding citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.
Up Next
Family pays tribute to mother found dead in Kew home
- Video duration
- 00:45
- Video duration
- 00:45
Family pays tribute to mother found dead ...
Family pays tribute to mother found dead in Kew home
The family of the woman found dead in her Kew home pays tribute to the beautiful mother who died "in the company of someone she considered a friend".
Up Next
Darebin Council scraps Australia Day ceremonies
- Video duration
- 00:28
- Video duration
- 00:28
Darebin Council scraps Australia Day ...
Darebin Council scraps Australia Day ceremonies
A second Melbourne council has voted to cancel citizenship ceremonies on January 26, and celebrate Australia Day events on another day. Vision courtesy: Channel 7's Sunrise.
Up Next
Bodies found in Kew house
- Video duration
- 00:41
- Video duration
- 00:41
Bodies found in Kew house
Bodies found in Kew house
Two people believed to be in their 50s are found dead in a house in Melbourne's east. Vision courtesy Seven News Melbourne.
Up Next
Swingers shooting investigation 'seriously flawed'
- Video duration
- 01:23
- Video duration
- 01:23
Swingers shooting investigation ...
Swingers shooting investigation 'seriously flawed'
Police investigation into shooting at Inflation nightclub appears to have breached the forces own protocols.
Up Next
Trio face terror charges
- Video duration
- 01:29
- Video duration
- 01:29
Trio face terror charges
Trio face terror charges
Three men will be charged with serious terrorism offences following arson attacks on an Islamic Centre in Melbourne's northern suburbs.
'Health challenges' force MP to miss next election
Labor MP for Northcote Fiona Richardson has announced she will not stand in the 2018 election.
Ms Richardson said she had intended to return to work part-time but her recovery was not progressing as planned.
"In light of my health challenges, I have made the decision not to recontest the seat of Northcote in 2018," she said. "I would ask for privacy for my family and I at this time."
Labor holds Northcote by 6 per cent, but the Greens have been eyeing off the inner northern seat, which some believe they may have a chance of winning.
Ms Richardson thanked Premier Daniel Andrews for agreeing to extend her leave while concentrating on her health.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy will take on Ms Richardson's duties.
Mr Andrews said Ms Richardson had been an "incredibly strong voice" for her constituents.
"Fiona's work to prevent family violence continues to save lives, particularly those of women and children," he said.
Ms Richardson was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2006 and became the first Minister for Prevention of Family Violence in 2014.
She is among several Labor MPs who will not contest the coming election.
Wendouree MP Sharon Knight and Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley have recently confirmed they will not recontest their seats. Melton MP Don Nardella has also confirmed he will not contest the 2018 poll.
One senior Labor figure said the government faced a challenge to hold Northcote, but was confident it was possible.
The Labor source said the Greens had increased their primary vote in the inner northern seat but Mr Andrews had strong appeal among progressive voters.
Labor preselections for many seats are scheduled to be completed by mid-November.
3 comments
New User? Sign up