John Eren to step down at 2022 election

LARA Labor MP John Eren will not contest his seat at next year’s state election.

In a post on his Facebook page, Mr Eren said he informed Premier Daniel Andrews with sadness of his decision today (Friday, November 26) after considering his future and his ongoing health concerns.

“It has been two years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This diagnosis along with challenges brought about by the COVID pandemic has made me place a greater focus on my health and wellbeing and that of my family and friends, to value the ability to spend quality time with them,” Mr Eren said.

“When we come to the end of this term of Parliament, in about 12 months, I feel that will be the time for me to step away and spend my time pursuing other things.”

Mr Eren has been an MP for nearly two decades – as a Member for Geelong Province in the Upper House from 2002 and the Member for Lara in the Lower House from 2006 – and said his story was an example of the opportunities Australia could create for migrants to Victoria.

“I arrived in Melbourne from Turkey with my parents as a child. I grew up in the high rise commission flats in North Melbourne. English was a second language but I learnt it quickly and I worked hard to fit into Australian culture being mindful of my heritage and background.

“I worked on the production line at Ford. I was elected as a union delegate at the age of 22 and represented hundreds of workers for the Vehicle Builders Union. During my time in Parliament I have had many roles, it was my greatest honour to serve as Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Sports and Veterans in the 58th Parliament of Victoria.

“I’m proud of all of the accomplishments and legacies in each of those portfolios. I am proud of my Labor values and my advocacy for the good people of Lara and Geelong. We have achieved many things for the region during my time and for that I am both proud and grateful.

“Finally and so importantly, I need to thank the people of Lara for electing me time and again as their Member of Parliament, it is an honour that I have never taken for granted and one that has always been dear to my heart.”

Mr Andrews said the best people in public life were those who lived their values.

“John has been an unrelenting advocate for good, secure jobs in Geelong, as well as stable skills and training pathways for the local workforce of the future.

“John can be rightly proud of his part in our government’s achievements. As a minister, he worked tirelessly to unlock spaces for women in sport, delivering record investments in female friendly facilities and overseeing the creation of the Office of Women and Girls in Sport Recreation Victoria.

“He also kickstarted Visit Victoria, which propelled our state’s visitor economy to new heights and created thousands of jobs along the way.

“I know that delivering the program of commemorative events for the Centenary of Anzac was a great honour for John, and he has told me that representing Victorians for the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings is a memory he’ll hold close forever.

“I wish John and his family the very best for the future. I’m grateful for his friendship and support, just as I’m grateful for his contribution to the Parliament, the Government and his local community.

“I know we’ll keep seeing him live his values for years to come.”