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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.
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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.
'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."
Minister for Women Fiona Richardson will take leave to deal with illness
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.
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Health Minister Jill Hennessy will take on Ms Richardson's duties.
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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.
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