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37728
Sun, 12/28/2008 - 16:47
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http://m.oananews.org//node/37728
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MP resigns ahead of cabinet call-up
Millionaire Victorian Labor MP Evan Thornley has announced his resignation a day before his widely anticipated promotion to the Victorian government's front bench.
Mr Thornley, who made his millions in the dotcom boom, was thought the likely candidate to replace embattled former minister Theo Theophanous, who quit the ministry on Christmas Eve after he was charged with the rape of a woman at Parliament House a decade ago.
Mr Theophanous denies the allegation.
Mr Thornley made his surprise announcement in a statement late on Sunday.
"Having spent time with family over the Christmas break, I have made a decision to pursue opportunities outside of political life," the statement said.
"I have informed the premier of my decision, and will be resigning from the Legislative Council."
"I have not sought nor was I offered a position in the Victorian cabinet, but I do feel that such a position requires a long-term commitment to political life that I am not in a position to give.
"I hope to continue to make a positive contribution to the community, and will make a further comment about my future plans in due course."
He thanked the ALP for his chance to enter politics, describing as "a real privilege" his time serving under Premier John Brumby and his predecessor, Steve Bracks, in "the best state government in Victoria's history".
Mr Thornley gave his support to the other frontrunner for the vacant cabinet post, former union leader and fellow Labor Unity faction member Martin Pakula.
Upper house whip Matt Viney has also nominated for the position.
A Victorian government spokeswoman thanked Mr Thornley for his work.
"Evan Thornley has made a strong contribution in the areas of innovation and commonwealth/state relations," the spokeswoman told AAP, offering no further comment.
But the opposition's upper house leader, David Davis, said Mr Thornley's resignation was "a major vote of no confidence in John Brumby and the government".
"Despite John Brumby personally anointing him as the next minister in the cabinet he has decided to walk away and it is a slap in the face to John Brumby personally," he told AAP.
Mr Thornley was elected to the Victorian upper house in 2006.
He was parliamentary secretary for innovation and the national reform agenda.
The Labor caucus will elect a new minister on Monday to fill the portfolios of industry and trade, major projects and information and communication technology.
The portfolios have been shared between ministers since mid-October when Mr Theophanous stepped down pending the police investigation.
Mr Brumby has ruled out a broad reshuffle, despite speculation some under-performing ministers may be on the chopping block.
Mr Thornley, who made his millions in the dotcom boom, was thought the likely candidate to replace embattled former minister Theo Theophanous, who quit the ministry on Christmas Eve after he was charged with the rape of a woman at Parliament House a decade ago.
Mr Theophanous denies the allegation.
Mr Thornley made his surprise announcement in a statement late on Sunday.
"Having spent time with family over the Christmas break, I have made a decision to pursue opportunities outside of political life," the statement said.
"I have informed the premier of my decision, and will be resigning from the Legislative Council."
"I have not sought nor was I offered a position in the Victorian cabinet, but I do feel that such a position requires a long-term commitment to political life that I am not in a position to give.
"I hope to continue to make a positive contribution to the community, and will make a further comment about my future plans in due course."
He thanked the ALP for his chance to enter politics, describing as "a real privilege" his time serving under Premier John Brumby and his predecessor, Steve Bracks, in "the best state government in Victoria's history".
Mr Thornley gave his support to the other frontrunner for the vacant cabinet post, former union leader and fellow Labor Unity faction member Martin Pakula.
Upper house whip Matt Viney has also nominated for the position.
A Victorian government spokeswoman thanked Mr Thornley for his work.
"Evan Thornley has made a strong contribution in the areas of innovation and commonwealth/state relations," the spokeswoman told AAP, offering no further comment.
But the opposition's upper house leader, David Davis, said Mr Thornley's resignation was "a major vote of no confidence in John Brumby and the government".
"Despite John Brumby personally anointing him as the next minister in the cabinet he has decided to walk away and it is a slap in the face to John Brumby personally," he told AAP.
Mr Thornley was elected to the Victorian upper house in 2006.
He was parliamentary secretary for innovation and the national reform agenda.
The Labor caucus will elect a new minister on Monday to fill the portfolios of industry and trade, major projects and information and communication technology.
The portfolios have been shared between ministers since mid-October when Mr Theophanous stepped down pending the police investigation.
Mr Brumby has ruled out a broad reshuffle, despite speculation some under-performing ministers may be on the chopping block.
