WITH three weeks until the State Election on November 26, Western Victoria MP, Jaala Pulford announced last week she will retire from politics after 16 years.

Serving as minister for four portfolios concurrently including, Employment, Small Business, Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, and Resources, Ms Pulford joins 12 other ministers who have decided to leave the parliament this term.

Ms Pulford said representing the people of Western Victoria has been an extraordinary privilege.

“While it is amazing to pass a law, design a program or fund a project, the best thing about being a politician is the people we meet,” she said.

 “I have loved supporting their ambitions and I’ve had a few favourites… the National Centre for Farmer Health and world-class experiences from the Grampians Peaks Trail to the Shipwreck Coast.”

Ms Pulford recognised her staff in announcing her retirement stating that “in public life any achievement is the work of many”.

She listed some of her achievements of which she is particularly proud including the ten million sheep that were tagged, the puppies that are no longer farmed, and that medicinal cannabis is now available.

Ms Pulford thanked the members of the Australian Labor Party and trade union movement.

“I learnt about leadership from the best at the National Union of Workers,” she said.

“Two of my ‘NUW boys’ have been constants.

“Martin Pakula and I have shared union and public life with its wins, losses, laughs and tears since 1994.

“I met Tim Pallas in what was my first week at the union and his last.

“Tim has been a great ally in our shared vision for science, technology and innovation in Victoria.

“Steve Bracks, who taught me how to be a politician that gets things done, John Brumby, who showed me how to pursue big reforms that endure, Premier Daniel Andrews, who demonstrates daily what can be achieved with purpose, focus and courage.

“To work with him has been a master class in visionary leadership and service.”

Ms Pulford said she was conscious that she made the decision on the eve of the state election but was confident the time was right for her.

Ms Pulford’s upper house colleague, also Western Victoria MP, Beverley McArthur wished her well in her retirement from the Victorian Parliament.

“In that time, she has progressed issues important to her and understood fully the rigours of political life on herself and her family,” she said.

“The loss of her daughter, Sinead, to cancer in 2014 would have been devastating.

“As a mother who has also lost a child in the prime of his life, I understand the grief and know that it never leaves you.

“We both sympathise with all parents whose children have pre-deceased them.”

Mrs McArthur thanked Ms Pulford for the respectful manner in which they were able to operate together, even though on opposite sides of the political fence.