Voters in Werribee could be off to the polls within months as speculation grows that local MP Tim Pallas is planning to step away from politics.
Rumours have been circulating in the local electorate that the state treasurer would step down after he hands down his tenth budget in May.
While Mr Pallas has previously denied suggestions that his departure is imminent, several Labor MPs have told Geelong Broadcasters they believe he will leave before the winter break.
Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson, who is considered to be Mr Pallas’ most likely replacement as treasurer, said he had no knowledge of his colleague’s immediate plans.
“I think he’s doing a fantastic job as treasurer of this state,” Mr Pearson said.
“In my expectation he’s here for the long term.”
Mr Pallas, a former trade union official and Chief of Staff to former premier Steve Bracks, was elected to the seat of Tarneit at the 2026 Victorian election and was immediately given the Cabinet portfolio of roads and ports.
A boundary redistribution saw him transfer to the seat of Werribee ahead of the 2014 election, after which he became treasurer in the Andrews government.
He has been heavily criticised locally over his refusal to live in the Werribee electorate, preferring instead to reside 27km away in bayside Williamstown.
