Sam Hibbins, the MP for Prahran, has officially announced his resignation from the Victorian Parliament. This decision comes three weeks after his departure from the Victorian Greens, following the revelation of an extramarital affair with a staff member that contravened party regulations. His resignation marks the end of a challenging period for the politician, who cited his family’s mental health and safety as the driving forces behind his choice.
From Leadership to Controversy
Hibbins, once a co-deputy leader of the Victorian Greens, saw his political journey take a sharp turn on November 1. The public disclosure of his short-lived affair not only ended his party affiliation but also subjected him to intense scrutiny.
This breach of trust significantly impacted his career and personal life, culminating in his transition to an independent MP.
A Family in Crisis
In his resignation statement, Hibbins described the emotional toll the controversy has taken on his family. Following his departure from the Greens, his parliamentary office was vandalized, with personal and family items—including children’s photos—desecrated with offensive graffiti.
This “concerted campaign” of harassment, as he described it, further underscored the need to prioritize his family’s well-being.
By-Election on the Horizon
Hibbins’ exit paves the way for a by-election in Prahran, a seat that has been a stronghold for the Greens since his election in 2014.
This development is set to test the political waters, with the Greens, Labor, and Liberal parties all vying to reclaim the historically competitive inner-Melbourne electorate.
Reactions from the Political Sphere
Ellen Sandell, leader of the Victorian Greens, expressed support for Hibbins’ resignation, emphasizing that his actions fell short of the party’s expectations.
The by-election will likely serve as a mid-term litmus test, gauging public sentiment towards the major parties and the resilience of the Greens in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
As Hibbins steps away from the political stage, the Prahran electorate gears up for a pivotal contest that could reshape its representation in Victorian Parliament.
