Live: Daniel Andrews resigns as Victorian premier

The leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam, says while she had "ideological differences at times" with Daniel Andrews, she valued their political collaborations.

Here are just some of the points along Daniel Andrew's journey as premier of what he labels Australia's "most progressive" state.

From the start of his premiership in 2014...

As a leader who strongly advocated for the Yes case in the same-sex marriage plebiscite and other LGBTQIA+ causes ...

And built a reputation upon a massive pipeline of major infrastructure and transport works, frequently appearing in hard hat and hi-vis vest to spruik his agenda.

As well as the challenges and deep controversies of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the premier's daily press conferences in front of purple backdrops became a daily occurrence.

Daniel Andrews left today's presser with his family, who he said were a major factor in deciding to call time.

A little more from Anthony Albanese, who reflected on the "real privilege" he'd had of working alongside Daniel Andrews.

"[He's] someone I shared a flat with here in Queanbeyan many years ago in my first term," Mr Albanese said.

"I can assure you that we will be having one or two beers and Daniel does cook a great steak and I look forward to spending time with him and Cath in the future.

"And I just wish him all the very best. Public life takes a toll."

If you missed it, here's how Premier Daniel Andrews announced his resignation, effective 5pm tomorrow.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to his Victorian counterpart as a "man of great conviction, enormous compassion and a fierce determination to make a difference"

"And he has made such a positive difference to the lives of Victorians," Mr Albanese said.

"You can measure his contribution through nine years, three election victories – the last one with an increased majority.

"But what you can measure it on is the fact that he is a builder. He has built enormous infrastructure benefits for Victoria. He's rebuilt a health system – a passion of his from his time as health minister, and indeed, during the pandemic as well.

"He's rebuilt schools. And in the announcement that he's made, as well, last week, he's determined to deal with the challenges of housing.

"Daniel Andrews has never been anyone who has shirked his responsibilities. He stood up each and every day during the pandemic. He stood up for doing what he believed was absolutely right to keep Victorians safe – not making easy decisions, making difficult decisions.

"And Daniel Andrews will be remembered for his contribution to Victoria."

 - Reporting by Jesse Thompson

One of the political mentors Daniel Andrews paid tribute to, former Labor premier Steve Bracks, says Mr Andrews' exit is well-timed.

"I wasn't surprised. I thought into the third term Daniel would probably take the next step and move on," Mr Bracks told ABC News.

"He has served the state extremely well, and after a while this job gets to you.

"He's right when he says once you start thinking about life after politics, that's the time you've got to go. And that's what he's done.

"I think it was largely the fact that he's been a long serving premier. He's into his third term. He's had a record majority.

"He's leaving the party in very, very good shape. He's leaving the government in good shape.

"As he said, and I think I said as I left as well, you want to go when things are going well. You don't want people saying, 'Oh yes, you should've gone'.

"No, they'll be saying 'You should've stayed'. I think that's the time to go, and I think he's picked it beautifully.

"It's the right time after three terms and being one of the most successful premiers Victoria's ever had. It's the right time to go."

 - Reporting by Jesse Thompson

The First Peoples' Assembly, which is preparing for historic statewide treaty talks, has paid tribute to Mr Andrews for his leadership.

“As Premier, Dan Andrews understood the power and importance of listening to First Peoples," Gunditjmara man and Assembly co-chair Rueben Berg said.

"Our mob will always remember and appreciate the willingness of his government to embark with us on the shared journey to Treaty in Victoria."

"To be honest, I've spent a long time in the public sector," Daniel Andrews replies.

"I think it highly unlikely that I'll spend too much more time in the public sector after five o'clock tomorrow."

Applause follows as Mr Andrews leaves the press conference flanked by his ministerial colleagues.

Daniel Andrews says his legacy is for others to judge.

Here are some of your assessments:

Neil

A truly visionary premier who possessed true leadership skill. Victoria is and will be better for your for hard work. Thanks Dan.

Lyn

You have left this state in appalling debt. You are a disgrace and I am so happy you are gone, you should have left before the election. Do it properly you certainly didn't do it properly.

Gail 

Dan, we will miss you. You have taken us through some tough times and steered your state with thoughtful care, an open mind and an impressive sense of humour . You couldn’t please everyone, every time on every occasion but most of us know you’ve done more than your best. You’ve set a high standard for anyone to follow. You’re no perfect but your effort was never in doubt. We wish you and your family every joy in private life. You’ll be missed, even by your detractors. Hugs Dan and a whopping big ‘Thank you’.

Josh

His policies might be a mixed bag but you have to admit he's given it 110%. Take a nice, long break Dan

Gaye 

I’m very sad. He is a great leader and has big shoes to fill. His leadership throughout the pandemic and the large scale infrastructure projects that previous governments never attempted are a part of his legacy. A man with a progressive vision for Victoria. When we no longer have to line up for 20 minutes to get through a level crossing we will think of Dan Andrews.

Veronica

A premiership filled with lies, mistakes, passing the buck, cover-ups, and never ever taking responsibility for bad decisions and bad outcomes… and now that the financial black hole is public knowledge, Dan Andrews is off — yes, that’s in keeping.

He declines an opportunity to share something he'd do differently, saying he doesn't do regrets.

He instead offers his political philosophy of bold leadership, even in the face of staunch opposition.

"I've never been about being 100 per cent popular," he says.

"[If] you are essentially scared of doing anything that might upset anybody, you get precisely nothing done and then you finish up deeply unpopular.

"I worked that one out a while ago too."

The premier says he's proud of his legacy, despite the harsh criticism and scrutiny that comes with the top job.

"It's not the best feature of modern politics, some of the stuff that's said and written," he reflects.

"But it's there ... it's never ever phased me, I have a very, very thick skin and you need that to do this job."

He suggests he plans to stay in Victoria after his premiership.

Daniel Andrews says the Labor caucus will meet at midday tomorrow and he won't speculate on who may be elected as his successor.

"That'll be determined by the colleagues and I am deeply respectful of that process," he says.

Here are just some of your comments:

Bruce

Good to see him go because he has driven Victoria into a financial crisis

John

I like him. He’s done a tough job & deserves a break

Sharon 

The best news I’ve ever heard in my entire life couldn’t come soon enough

Allan 

Hooray and good riddance

Sandy

Congratulations Daniel Andrews, you have done a wonderful job. I wish you all the best for you and your family in the future.

Garry

About time! He’s made so many mistakes that affect the state that he deserves to go

Daniel Andrews tells the press pack that his legacy as a Victorian Labor premier is "for you guys to work out".

"I could have stood up here and done a ... laundry list of things ... I'm not in this for those reason and that's what leadership is about ... subjecting yourself to the almost continuous judgement of others," he says.

"I just say to you, I was 38 when I became the leader of our party.

"It looks a long time ago and it seems even longer."

"This is my decision but it's not about me," Mr Andrews says.

He says it's about making sure there's someone new to respond to the challenges that lie ahead for Victoria.

"I've done this for nine years, that's a good long run," he says.

A reporter asks Mr Andrews about his statement before last year's election that he would serve out his term.

"It was true then and I've changed my mind," Andrews replies.

"And having explained to you in my statement ... I hope that you have a sense that when it's time, it's time.

"Doing this job requires a lot of hard work, that's not a complaint, it's just the nature of it.

"If you're going to do it, do it properly, do it to the best of your ability."

He says it requires more from just the person whose "name is on the door", but also those they love.

He says he'll take some time off with the family, "play a bit of golf" and read a pile of books he's not had time for.

"I'm going to do a few things that are about me and I'm going to go through what will be a fairly challenging adjustment period I think where I go from every minute of every day being planned out for me.

"I am worse than a workaholic ... every waking moment is about the work and there's only so long you can do that for."