Victorian Nationals deputy leader and the State Member for Euroa Steph Ryan is retiring from politics at the age of 36, just a few months before the state’s election.
“It has been the greatest privilege to be a member of Euroa and I am very grateful to the electorate for putting their trust in me when I was just 28 to do that job,” she said.
Ms Ryan, who will be stepping down as the shadow minister for water, public transport and roads, gaming and liquor regulations, was the youngest MP in parliament and the first woman to be appointed to a position of leadership in the Nationals.
Her resignation is due to her expecting her second child, and she is seeking a job that offers greater flexibility.
“With a little one at home and another one coming [it] gets harder and harder to do. Just to give what you need to give on weeknights and on weekends.”
She further states that the Victorian parliament should have flexible working arrangements to better accommodate regional MPs.
“The reality is that you have to pick up your life and move to Melbourne for periods while parliament is sitting,” she said.
“There are practical things around childcare and the like that are very difficult to navigate. I think those things can be resolved if the Victorian parliament has the will to do it.”
The loss of Ms Ryan is a blow for the Nationals, who have lost a third of its female MPs in one hit.
Leader of the Nationals Peter Walsh said Ms Ryan had been a strong advocate for regional Victoria.
“Steph was motivated to step up to be a voice for change after witnessing the desperate neglect and inequity in decision-making on challenges that are facing rural people,” he said.
“[She] leaves this role, and her roles in the shadow cabinet, with a proud record of championing a better future for country people where it’s needed the most.”
Meanwhile, Gippsland Nationals MP Darren Chester said Ms Ryan had paved a path for other young women who wanted to enter parliament.
“The Victorian Nationals have been very good at getting women into parliament, particularly young women,” he said.
“Steph’s departure will leave a big hole, but also creates a new opportunity for someone.”
He said the Nationals had a difficult task ahead of them with the upcoming state election, but said the party had a decent chance in the seats of Morwell, Shepparton and Mildura.