Labor member Darren Cheeseman, who has held the role of parliamentary secretary for education, has made the decision to step down from his position. Premier Jacinta Allan disclosed that his resignation is a result of accusations of continuous inappropriate behavior towards staff in the workplace.
Despite resigning as parliamentary secretary, Cheeseman will continue to serve as a member of the Victorian parliament as well as a member of the parliamentary Labor Party. The Premier emphasized the necessity for ministers and parliamentary secretaries to adhere to the highest standards of personal conduct and to cultivate respectful and suitable relationships with all staff and colleagues, as outlined in the Ministerial Code of Conduct. Ms. Allan underscored that the welfare of staff and their entitlement to a supportive work environment are non-negotiable aspects within the government.
Darren Cheeseman ventured into the Victorian parliament in 2018 after representing the federal seat of Corangamite for the Labor party from 2007 to 2013. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has reached out to Mr. Cheeseman for his input or response regarding the situation.