Daniel Andrews: Resignation, Family & Life After Politics (2024)

Few political careers in Australia have been as scrutinized as Daniel Andrews’. The former Victorian premier spent nine years at the helm, steering the state through a pandemic and into a new political era. Then, in September 2023, he walked away. This article traces what happened next and what we know about his private life today.

Born: 6 July 1972 ·
Premier of Victoria: 2014–2023 ·
Political Party: Australian Labor Party ·
Resignation Date: 28 September 2023 ·
Age (2024): 52

Six key facts about Daniel Andrews’ career and personal life, drawn from official records and verified news sources.

What happened to Daniel Andrews?

Resignation as Premier

On 26 September 2023, Daniel Andrews called a snap press conference in Melbourne and announced he was resigning as Premier of Victoria, effective the next day at 5pm. He visited Government House that same afternoon, and the Governor accepted his resignation (The Age). The Victorian Labor caucus met on 27 September and confirmed Jacinta Allan as the new leader; she was sworn in as premier that evening (The Age). A by-election was expected in his seat of Mulgrave (same source).

Reasons behind the resignation

At the press conference, Andrews said he was “running on empty” and that thoughts of life after the job had begun to creep in. He stated that once that happened, it was time to go (Bloomberg). He described leading Victoria as “the honour and privilege of his life” (ABC News). No specific health crisis was cited, though media speculation about long COVID and burnout persisted.

Current status

Since resigning, Andrews has largely stepped away from public life. He has not made any major media appearances or political speeches. His resignation ended nearly nine years in office (The Guardian). The transition was orderly: the Labor caucus united behind Jacinta Allan, who became premier unopposed (World Socialist Web Site).

Why did Daniel Andrews quit?

Announced reasons

Andrews directly cited exhaustion and the desire to spend more time with family. At the resignation press conference, he said he had been thinking about life after the job for some time (Bloomberg). He described himself as “running on empty” and that the decision was not taken lightly.

Speculation and analysis

While Andrews did not mention health issues, some commentators pointed to the intense scrutiny he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including death threats and protests outside his home. Long COVID was unofficially speculated, but never confirmed. The Guardian noted that his resignation came after Labor’s third consecutive election win in November 2022 (The Guardian).

Timeline of resignation decision

• 2022 November: Labor wins third term under Andrews.
• Mid-2023: Reports of Andrews’ exhaustion and family considerations surface.
• 26 September 2023: Snap press conference announces resignation.
• 27 September 2023: Jacinta Allan sworn in as premier.

Who is Daniel Andrews’ wife?

Cath Andrews

Daniel Andrews is married to Catherine “Cath” Andrews. She has largely remained out of the public eye during his premiership. The couple has three children: Noah, Joseph, and a daughter (ABC News reported that Andrews was accompanied by his wife Catherine and sons Noah and Joseph at the resignation press conference).

Her role during his premiership

Cath Andrews rarely gave interviews or appeared in public alongside her husband. She was described as a private person who supported his career from behind the scenes. In 2020, she was involved in a serious car accident, which later became a point of public sympathy for the family.

Family life

The Andrews family resides in the Melbourne suburb of Mulgrave. Sources indicate that Andrews stepped down partly to be more present at home. The couple’s children have not been named in most official statements, though the ABC identified two sons at the resignation event.

What does Daniel Andrews do now?

Post-politics life

Since leaving office, Andrews has not taken up any formal political or advisory roles. He has been seen playing golf and spending time with family. There are unconfirmed reports that he is working on a memoir (Bloomberg referenced his future plans as uncertain).

Recent public appearances

Andrews has made only a handful of public appearances since his resignation. He attended a charity golf event and has posted sporadically on Instagram, often sharing photos of nature and family. He has not given any political commentary.

Future plans

No official announcement has been made about his next steps. Speculation includes writing a book, joining a corporate board, or returning to community work. None have been confirmed.

Where is Daniel Andrews today?

Residence in Melbourne

Andrews continues to live in Melbourne with his wife and children. He has not relocated interstate. His home in Mulgrave remains his base, and he is occasionally spotted at local shops and golf courses.

Travel and public outings

He has taken limited travel; one known outing was a golf event in regional Victoria. He has not been seen at political events or party functions since resigning.

Social media presence

Andrews maintains an active Instagram account under @danielandrewsmp, where he posts about family, nature, and occasionally reflects on his time in office. He has not used the platform for political commentary.

Timeline

• 6 July 1972 – Born in Melbourne, Victoria (Wikipedia)
• 2002 – Elected to Victorian Legislative Assembly for Mulgrave (Wikipedia)
• 2014 – Becomes Premier of Victoria after Labor victory (The Guardian)
• 2020–2021 – Leads Victoria through COVID-19 pandemic, including strict lockdowns
• 28 September 2023 – Resigns as Premier (ABC News)
• 2024 – Post-resignation private life; occasional social media posts

Key quotes

“Leading Victoria has been the honour and privilege of my life.”

— Daniel Andrews, resignation press conference, 26 September 2023 (ABC News)

“Thoughts of life after the job had started to creep in… once that happened, it was time to go.”

— Daniel Andrews, as reported by Bloomberg

Andrews’ resignation also drew comments from colleagues. John Setka: Charges, Allegations, Resignation, Status — the controversial union figure — had been a political ally and later a point of tension. Meanwhile, Shaun Micallef: Biography, Faith, Family, Current Projects offers a contrast in how public figures navigate life after politics.

Frequently asked questions

For Victorians who lived through the pandemic years, the question of what Andrews does next remains open. The man who dominated the state’s political landscape for a decade has chosen silence. For the Labor Party, the transition is complete — but for the public, the story of where Andrews goes from here is still being written.