Melton MP Steve McGhie has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026.
Premier Jacinta Allan said Mr McGhie had “a long and distinguished record of serving communities in the western suburbs, long before he entered our parliament.“
“In 1981, Steve began training as a paramedic, and spent 15 years supporting the communities he now proudly represents. In that time, Steve saved lives, and made an enormous difference to so many more,“ Ms Allan said.
“Steve put it best when he told the parliament ‘the role of an ambulance paramedic is all about helping people, seeing the relief on people’s faces when you walk into a house. You put your hand on their shoulder, and straight away, you see them ease’. But, Steve also saw the toll the job took on his colleagues, and he became a passionate advocate for their needs,“ she said.
“Steve served as an assistant secretary of the ambulance union in 1995, before becoming general secretary in 2005. He was a fierce advocate for the workforce on issues like mental health, and violence against emergency service workers, as well as rallying against privatisation of the ambulance services. After 13 years of leading the union, he returned to his roots as a son of the west.“
Mr McGhie has also performed roles as a parliamentary secretary for health and cabinet secretary.
“Steve has dedicated so much of his working life to healthcare. So, it is fitting that he has played such a pivotal role in delivering the new Melton Hospital,“ Ms Allan said.
“I want to thank him for his exceptional record of service: as a paramedic, a union leader, and as my parliamentary colleague. I also send my thanks to his wife, Janet, daughter Vivian and her husband, Peter, and two grandchildren, Thomas and Sarah. I wish Steve and his family all best for the future,“ she said.
Mr McGhie will continue as the cabinet secretary.
