Embattled Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos has resigned from Cabinet and will quit parliament after Premier Daniel Andrews named her accountable for the failed hotel quarantine program at Friday’s inquiry.
“I take responsibility for my department, the buck stops with me,” she said in a statement.
“I have never wanted to leave a job unfinished but in light of the premier’s statement to the Board of Inquiry and the fact that there are elements in it that I strongly disagree with, I believe that I cannot continue to serve in his Cabinet.
“With the benefit of hindsight, there are clearly matters that my department should have briefed me on.
“Whether they would have changed the course of events only the Board and history can determine.”
Ms Mikakos said she didn’t believe her actions led to the bungled hotel quarantine, firing a shot at Mr Andrews.
“I am disappointed that my integrity has sought to be undermined,” she said.
“I am deeply sorry for the situation that Victorians find themselves in.
Jenny Mikakos (born 25 January 1969) is an Australian politician for the Labor Party who is of Greek descent.
Ms Mikakos holds a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne and practised as a lawyer prior to entering parliament.