MORE TRIBUTES: Napthine quits politics
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FEDERAL Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has paid tribute to retiring state MP and former Premier Denis Napthine.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Liberal MP said Dr Napthine would be remembered as a great voice for country Victoria.
Mr Tehan, whose predominantly western Victoria electorate included the towns of Maryborough, Dunolly and Avoca, said Dr Napthine had poured his intellect and values into 27 years of public life.
Dr Napthine announced his retirement from state politics on Monday.
He will serve his final day in State Parliament on Thursday.
Dr Napthine became Premier in early 2013 after the resignation of Ted Baillieu, but returned to the backbench after the Coalition's defeat at the November 2014 election.
The veterinarian turned politician had intended to serve to finish out his term but decided to retire early after speaking to friends and voters.
Mr Tehan, whose federal electorate incorporates Dr Napthine’s state seat of South West Coast, said the retiring MP was more than a community leader.
”He was also a father, a husband and a friend. All of these speak to why those who have worked with, for or against him have been lit with the decency of the man,” he said.
“His strength of character has meant that in the chaos and noise of politics, Denis has kept both feet rooted in reality.
“Moments after taking over as Premier of Victoria, Denis joked that this certainly hadn’t been what he was expecting when he had his Special K.
“His self-deprecating humour is a hallmark of his relationships in either Parliament or in Port Fairy.
“This easy-going nature has always meant that no one feels uncomfortable around him.”
Mr Tehan said Dr Napthine’s legacy as Premier would include restoring the state’s finances, leading reform of the justice system for a fairer outcome for victims, and signing Victoria up to a “sensible model” for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
(Dr Napthine's) strength of character has meant that in the chaos and noise of politics, Denis has kept both feet rooted in reality.
- Member for Wannon Dan Tehan
He said Dr Napthine’s actions had always spoke louder than words and recalled the situation which confronted the then new Minister for Youth and Community Services in the wake of a fire at a Melbourne residential services facility which claimed nine lives in 1996.
“Denis learnt of the disaster by reading a newspaper while waiting for the 5:30am train at Newmarket Station,” he said.
“Instead of standing around on the platform, Denis took a cab. He did not head to the office and a media scrum, but to Kew, where he consulted and consoled where he could.
“Putting people before politics has been his instinct since his first day in office.”