I want to thank my long-time colleagues - Lily D'Ambrosio and Harriet Shing - for their service over many years as they retire from the Ministry and at the end of the year, the Parliament.
Over many years of dedicated service, they have brought compassion, determination and a strong sense of purpose to their roles, delivering outcomes that have improved the lives of Victorians and strengthened the communities they represent.
Lily D'Ambrosio has been at the forefront of Victoria's response to climate change.
Her leadership has made Victoria a national leader in renewable energy, driven ambitious emissions reduction targets and laid the foundations for a cleaner, more sustainable future. The progress Victoria has made towards achieving our climate change targets stands as one of her enduring legacies.
Lily has been a tireless advocate for her community and has been a powerful figure for Labor Governments in Victoria. Her commitment to public service, her integrity and her determination to delivering lasting change have earned the respect of colleagues, stakeholders and communities across our state.
Lily has never sought the spotlight. Instead, as the longest serving Energy Minister in Australia she has focused on the hard work of governing - making decisions in the long-term interests of Victorians and always putting the community first.
For 24 years, she has been a tireless advocate for the people of Mill Park - working every day to deliver better schools, roads, community facilities and local services, while never losing sight of the people who placed their trust in her.
I want to thank Harriet Shing for her support and proud commitment to delivering for working people through a reforming Labor Government.
Throughout her time in Cabinet, Harriet has taken on some of the Government's most demanding portfolios and delivered lasting reforms.
She has led work to reshape Victoria - improving access to housing, delivering major transport and urban renewal projects, strengthening water security and supporting regional communities, all while championing equality.
As Minister for Equality Harriet championed Victoria's LGBTIQA+ communities, and as part of the Labor team she passed new nation leading anti-vilification and social cohesion laws to protect Victorians against hate speech.
As Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Harriet has worked tirelessly to support our health system, our workforce and the patients who rely on them every day. This week Harriet oversaw the introduction of new legislation to enhance and protect nurse to patient ratios - a reform built by and now strengthened by Labor.
As Minister for Housing Harriet oversaw the delivery of Labor's 12,000th new social and affordable home as part of one of the most significant expansions of social and affordable housing in Victoria's history.
As the Member for Eastern Victoria since 2014, she leaves Victoria a fairer place.
The people of Victoria are calling for a new direction.
As Premier, I am delivering that new direction.
This election, only Labor can stop the risk of a Liberal-One Nation Government that will hurt working people.
The Parliamentary Labor Party will convene for a Caucus meeting on Monday, 3 August, to make new appointments to the Cabinet.
Portfolio arrangements will be confirmed very soon and the new Ministry will be sworn in shortly following.
