Daniel Andrews returns to parliament for retiring MP’s final speech

Former premier Daniel Andrews has been spotted in the gallery of state parliament, attending the final speech of a retiring MP with motor neurone disease.

It is the first time Andrews has been seen in public since last year.

Victoria’s COVID-era premier returned to the chamber for the speech of retiring Pakenham MP Emma Vulin, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in April 2024.

As Vulin made her valedictory speech using a text-to-speech device, Andrews watched from the public gallery on the floor of the house, in a seat close to the exit.

Vulin thanked Andrews and Jacinta Allan during her speech – two premiers she served under.

Andrews rose and joined the applause as Vulin exited the chamber.

Andrews stood down in 2023 after nine years as premier and 21 as the member for Mulgrave. His time as premier became defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, his response to which heavily favoured restricting Victorians’ movements to reduce infections until vaccination rates reached key benchmarks.

Since retiring, Andrews has continued to be the source of speculation and debate. Portsea Golf Club had to deny he had put in a membership application in late 2023 (Andrews describes himself as a keen golfer in his own Instagram handle).