Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews Hospitalised Following Neurological Episode
Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has reportedly suffered a debilitating neurological episode and has been undergoing recovery in hospital, according to sources familiar with his condition. The 53-year-old former state leader has experienced significant issues with his speech and movement, as reported by insiders who spoke to The Herald Sun newspaper.
Recovery Progress and Hospital Admission Details
Despite the concerning neurological symptoms, other sources close to the situation have indicated that Andrews is making steady progress in his recovery journey. He is reportedly participating in an intensive rehabilitation program designed to address his health challenges. The former premier was admitted to Monash Clayton Hospital in Melbourne late last year, though the precise nature of his medical condition remains unclear to the public.
This recent hospitalisation follows a previous serious incident in 2021 when Andrews suffered significant injuries after slipping on wet stairs during a holiday period. That accident required treatment at The Alfred Hospital's intensive care unit, where he was treated for multiple fractured ribs and a fractured vertebra.
Political Career and Recent Activities
Andrews stepped down from his role as Victorian premier in 2023 after serving nearly nine years in the state's highest political position. At the time of his resignation, he firmly denied that his previous back injury played any role in his decision to leave office, stating it was unrelated to his departure timing.
Since leaving political office, Andrews has maintained a relatively low public profile, though he made headlines in September last year when he attended a military parade in China. The former premier defended his decision to attend the event alongside various international leaders, despite facing criticism from political observers regarding the optics of his participation.
International Engagement and Diplomatic Stance
The Beijing parade marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II, with Andrews attending alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Andrews stated that his visit followed a formal invitation to the commemorative event.
In a subsequent statement addressing his international engagement, Andrews emphasized the importance of maintaining constructive relationships with China while clearly distancing himself from other attendees. "I've said for years that a constructive relationship with China — our largest trading partner — is in Australia's national interest and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs depend on it. That hasn't changed," he declared.
The former premier took the opportunity to clarify his position regarding other international leaders present at the event. "Just so there's no confusion — I have condemned Putin and his illegal war in Ukraine from day one. That's why he banned me from Russia last year," Andrews stated unequivocally.
He also addressed concerns about Iran's participation in the event, stating: "My support for Israel and Australia's Jewish community has been outspoken and unwavering and I unequivocally condemn Iran for its attacks on Australia, Israel and elsewhere around the world."
Andrews noted that the international gathering provided opportunities to meet with regional leaders, including former New Zealand prime ministers John Key and Helen Clark. The diplomatic engagement occurs within the context of Victoria's established sister state relationship with China's Sichuan province, with numerous local councils maintaining similar international connections through sister city arrangements.
