Time to pass the baton: Melton MP

STATE Member for Melton Steve McGhie announced on Tuesday that he will not seek re-election at next year’s Victorian poll.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Mr McGhie said he would “continue to serve the people of Melton with the same passion and dedication” until then.

“But the time feels right to pass the baton and create space for fresh energy and new ideas to the next generation that shares the same passion for our community’s future,” he said.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve the people of Melton, and I remain deeply grateful for the trust our community has placed in me.”

Mr McGhie trained and worked as a paramedic during the 1980s and early 1990s before serving as assistant secretary of the ambulance union in 1995 and becoming its general secretary in 2005.

He was elected to Parliament in 2018 and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Health in December 2020 until July 2022 and as Cabinet Secretary from July 2022.

Mr McGhie said he was proud to have helped deliver major investments for the growing Melton community.

Member for Melton Steve McGhie outside his electorate office during the recent Jersey Day, which raises awareness about organ donation.

“Together, we have seen the removal of dangerous and congested level crossings, the beginning of construction on a brand-new hospital for Melton, a new TAFE campus, several new and upgraded primary schools, and the establishment of a new secondary school on the way,” he said.

“We have also secured new ambulance stations and strengthened community facilities and services that make Melton a better place to live, work and raise a family.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved.”

Premier Jacinta Allan said Mr McGhie had delivered every day for local families since his election.

“Steve has dedicated so much of his working life to healthcare,” Ms Allan said.

“So it is fitting that he has played such a pivotal role in delivering the new Melton Hospital, with construction underway on a project that will mean better healthcare for families in the western suburbs.

“I want to thank him for his exceptional record of service – as a paramedic, a union leader, and as my parliamentary colleague.”