Daniel Andrews facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Andrews
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Andrews in 2018
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| 48th Premier of Victoria | |
| In office 4 December 2014 – 27 September 2023 |
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| Monarch | |
| Governor |
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| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Denis Napthine |
| Succeeded by | Jacinta Allan |
| 17th Leader of the Labor Party in Victoria | |
| In office 3 December 2010 – 27 September 2023 |
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| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | John Brumby |
| Succeeded by | Jacinta Allan |
| Leader of the Opposition in Victoria | |
| In office 3 December 2010 – 4 December 2014 |
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| Premier |
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| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Ted Baillieu |
| Succeeded by | Matthew Guy |
| Minister for Health | |
| In office 3 August 2007 – 2 December 2010 |
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| Premier | John Brumby |
| Preceded by | Bronwyn Pike |
| Succeeded by | David Davis |
| Minister for Gaming | |
| In office 1 December 2006 – 3 August 2007 |
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| Premier | Steve Bracks |
| Preceded by | John Pandazopoulos |
| Succeeded by | Tony Robinson |
| Minister for Consumer Affairs | |
| In office 1 December 2006 – 3 August 2007 |
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| Premier | Steve Bracks |
| Preceded by | Marsha Thomson |
| Succeeded by | Tony Robinson |
| Member of the Victorian Parliament for Mulgrave |
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| In office 20 November 2002 – 27 September 2023 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Eden Foster |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Daniel Michael Andrews
6 July 1972 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Political party | Labor |
| Spouse |
Catherine Kesik
(m. 1998) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Monash University (BA) |
| Signature |  |
Daniel Michael Andrews (born 6 July 1972) is an Australian former politician. He served as the 48th Premier of Victoria from 2014 to 2023. He was also the leader of the Victorian Labor Party from 2010 to 2023. Before becoming Premier, he was a Member of the Victorian Parliament for the area of Mulgrave from 2002 to 2023. Andrews is known for being the longest-serving Labor Premier in Victoria's history. He is also the fourth-longest-serving Premier overall in the state.
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Who is Daniel Andrews?
Daniel Andrews was a very important political leader in Victoria, Australia. He led the state government for many years. His work focused on improving public services and building new infrastructure.
Early Life and School Days
Daniel Andrews was born on 6 July 1972 in Melbourne, Victoria. His parents, Bob and Jan Andrews, worked at a bank. They also owned a small shop called a milk bar. Daniel has a younger sister named Cynthia. The family moved to Wangaratta in north-eastern Victoria in 1983. Daniel went to Galen Catholic College there.
In the 1990s, Daniel moved back to Melbourne for university. He studied at Monash University. To help pay for his studies, he sold hotdogs. While at university, he joined the Labor Party. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics and classics in 1996.
Starting in Politics
After university, Daniel Andrews began working for a federal Labor politician. From 1999 to 2002, he worked at the Labor Party's main office. He started as an organiser and later became an assistant state secretary.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 2002, Daniel Andrews was elected to the Victorian Parliament. He represented the area of Mulgrave. He quickly took on important roles in the government. He became a Parliamentary Secretary for Health.
Taking on Ministerial Roles
After the 2006 election, Andrews joined the Cabinet. He became a Minister, responsible for different areas. These included Consumer Affairs and Multicultural Affairs. In 2007, he became the Minister for Health. He held this role until the government lost the election in 2010.
Leading the Opposition
After the 2010 election, the Labor Party was no longer in power. Daniel Andrews was chosen to be the leader of the Victorian Labor Party. This made him the Leader of the Opposition. His job was to challenge the government and offer different ideas. He held this role until 2014.
Premier of Victoria
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Premiership of Daniel Andrews
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| 4 December 2014 – 27 September 2023 | |
| Premier | Daniel Andrews |
| Governor | Alex Chernov Linda Dessau Margaret Gardner |
| Cabinet | Andrews I Andrews II Andrews III |
| Party | Victorian Labor |
| Election | 2014 · 2018 · 2022 |
| Appointer | Governor Alex Chernov |
| Seat | 1 Treasury Place |
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← Denis Napthine • Jacinta Allan →
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| Coat of arms of Victoria | |
In 2014, Daniel Andrews led the Labor Party to victory in the state election. He became the Premier of Victoria on 4 December 2014. This was the first time in many years that a government was voted out after just one term.
First Term as Premier (2014–2018)
During his first term, Premier Andrews focused on big projects. His government cancelled one large road project. They started the Level Crossing Removal Project to make roads safer. They also began the Melbourne Metro Rail Project to improve train travel.
Big Projects and Important Changes
On 24 May 2016, Andrews made an official apology in parliament. This was for past unfair laws and to promote fairness for all citizens. In 2018, he announced plans for the Suburban Rail Loop. This huge project would connect major train lines across Melbourne. His government also resolved a pay dispute with ambulance paramedics.
Working with Other Countries
As Premier, Andrews worked to build strong relationships with other countries. This included focusing on trade and cooperation with China. His government signed agreements to encourage working together on different projects.
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Second Term as Premier (2018–2022)
In November 2018, the Labor Party won another election. They gained even more seats in parliament. This was a big victory for Daniel Andrews and his team. It was only the fifth time a Labor government was reelected in Victoria.
Leading During Challenges
Andrews received praise for his leadership during the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season. He also led the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His government introduced public health measures to control the virus. These included restrictions to keep people safe.
In October 2020, Victoria had a day with no new COVID-19 cases or deaths. This was a big achievement and was called "Donut Day." More health measures were put in place in 2021 during further outbreaks.
Third Term as Premier (2022–2023)
Daniel Andrews led the Labor Party to win a third election in 2022. This was another strong victory. In April 2023, he became the longest-serving Labor Premier in Victoria's history. He served for more than 3,000 days.
Big Plans and Decisions
During his third term, Andrews promised to bring back the state-owned State Electricity Commission. He also pledged to remove 110 more Level Crossings. His government planned to start free kindergarten and build the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL). They also planned the SRL Airport Line.
In July 2023, Andrews announced that Victoria would no longer host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. He explained that the cost had become too high. A later report found that the government's cost estimate was higher than the actual cost. Andrews also started a process to create agreements with First Nations peoples in Victoria.
Stepping Down
On 26 September 2023, Daniel Andrews announced he would resign. He stepped down as Premier and as a Member of Parliament the next day. He said it was time for him to move on to new things in life. His deputy, Jacinta Allan, became the new Premier.
Life After Politics
After leaving politics, Daniel Andrews continued to be involved in public life. In October 2024, he became the chair of Orygen. This is a foundation that helps young people with mental health. He also started a consulting business.
Political Views
Daniel Andrews has been a member of the Labor Left group since 1993. He has always supported protecting the environment. He worked to fight climate change and aimed for net zero emissions by 2050. He also supported bringing the state electricity grid back under public ownership.
Andrews has also supported Australia becoming a republic. This means having an Australian head of state instead of the King or Queen. He has also supported fairness and equal rights for all people throughout his career.
Personal Life
Daniel Andrews met Catherine Kesik at university in 1991. They married on New Year's Eve in 1998. They have three children. Daniel grew up in the Roman Catholic faith. He is a supporter of the Essendon Football Club.
In March 2021, Andrews had an accident while on holiday. He fell and broke several ribs and a vertebra. His deputy, James Merlino, was Acting Premier until Andrews returned to work. Andrews also had COVID-19 in March 2022 but made a full recovery. In December 2025, he was admitted to hospital for a minor medical issue.
Awards and Recognition
In 2024, Daniel Andrews received a special award. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. This was for his great service to the people and Parliament of Victoria. It also recognized his work in public health, policy changes, and building new infrastructure.
