Lara MP John Eren has announced he won’t be running for re-election at next year’s state election after spending 20 years in parliament.
Mr Eren was originally elected in 2002 in the upper house representing Geelong Province, before switching to the lower house to represent the Lara electorate at the 2006 election.
He announced the decision on social media last week and said it was time to leave politics.
“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,” he said.
“After thinking about my future as time moves on and following discussions with my family, it was with sadness that I informed the premier of my decision to not contest the 2022 state election.
“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 said his story was an “example of the opportunities that this country can create for migrants to our great state”.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He said it had been an honour to represent the community in parliament.
“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,” he said.
“Until the November state election next year I will continue to strongly represent the great people of the Lara electorate and I will be working hard each day to ensure we continue to achieve great things for our community.”
Premier Daniel Andrews said Mr Eren had been a strong advocate for Geelong.
“The best people in public life are those who live 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,” he said.
“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.”
