Congratulations to Andrea Coote, a former Member for Monash Province and Southern Metropolitan Region, on her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

Andrea has been recognised for significant service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, and to the aged care sector.

Congratulations to Bruce Atkinson, a former Member for Koonung Province and Eastern Metropolitan Region, on his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

Bruce has been recognised for significant service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, and to the region of Nunawading.

Insights from former MPs wanted for PhD research on incivility and hate speech in political discourse

University of Canberra PhD candidate (and former Victorian), Amy McGregor-Dainton, is carrying out research on how uncivil and hateful comments from citizens on social media impacts politicians, staffers, public servants and contributes to negative perceptions of government in Australia.

This research aims to bring together insights from across the three tiers of government, alongside insights from citizens in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, to examine whether there's a relationship between how Australians talk about democracy, and how much trust and confidence they have in Australia's political actors and institutions. 

If you served in parliament in the decade and could spare 30-40 minutes to share some of your experiences or observations over Zoom, please contact Amy on 0439 335 023 or email amy.mcgregor-dainton@canberra.edu.au.

Interview questions will be provided in advance. 

Our Annual General Meeting was held in the Legislative Council Chamber followed by our end of year lunch in the Parliamentary Dining Room.

We were delighted to welcome 60 former MPs back to Parliament House for an enjoyable afternoon catching up with former colleagues from across the political divide. 

Members of the Victorian Parliamentary Former Members Association (VPFMA) were given a tour of Melbourne Park, which included the facilities of Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain indoor arenas, home of many sporting and big name musical acts.

We then crossed Olympic Boulevard to AAMI Park, the main soccer/rugby stadium in Victoria. The tour concluded with lunch at Melb Park’s Saint Andrews Beach Brewery.

The tour commenced in “Centrepiece” with John Harden, CEO of Melb Park presenting the “Vision for the Future of Melbourne Park” and the many facilities, tenants, stakeholders, and people who contribute to the running of this very important asset for the Victorian community.

The tour gave members the opportunity to not only view these major sporting and performing arts facilities but also to see the inner workings of what makes up Melbourne Park.

VPFMA members were very appreciative of the tour which was led by Jack Hayes, communications advisor and staff from Melbourne Park.

The former members returned to Parliament House for an enjoyable evening of lawn bowls. We were delighted to be joined by the Speaker the Hon. Maree Edwards and a number of sitting MPs from across the house.  The bowling green at Parliament House is a unique feature, though for many former members the first time they had the chance to use it is in retirement! 

 

At the end of the 59th Parliament, exiting members were each provided with an Acknowledgement of Service certificate.

These certificates, signed by the Presiding Officer and Clerk of the respective House recorded each member’s period of service, House, political party, ministerial appointments, parliamentary party positions and committee service.

The Parliament has confirmed to the VPFMA that these certificates can also be provided for former members who served in earlier parliaments.

If you would like to obtain an Acknowledgement of Service certificate please contact the VPFMA Secretary at secretary@vicformermembers.org.au

Congratulations to Jennifer Huppert, a former Member for Southern Metropolitan, on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

Jennifer has been recognised for service to multicultural affairs through a range of organizations.

Congratulations to Barry Traynor, a former Member for Ballarat East, on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

 

Barry has been recognised for service to police welfare, and to the Parliament of Victoria.

Congratulations to Daniel Andrews, a former Member for Mulgrave, on his appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

Daniel has been recognised for eminent service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, to public health, to policy and regulatory reform, and to infrastructure development.