Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews is reportedly in a “very bad way” after suffering a neurological episode late last year that left him debilitated.
Andrews, 53, was admitted to hospital before Christmas, with details surrounding his condition tightly controlled.
Some sources have indicated he experienced movement and speech difficulties following the episode, while others have said he is making steady progress.
The Herald Sun was told Andrews’ condition has been improving under an intensive and ongoing rehabilitation program.
Since retiring from public office in 2024, Andrews has largely remained out of the public eye. However, his failure to publicly acknowledge the death of former senior adviser Tim Picton last month prompted renewed concern about his health.
One senior source likened the level of privacy surrounding Andrews’ condition to the secrecy surrounding Michael Schumacher’s medical status following his skiing accident.
It is understood Andrews was treated at Monash Hospital.
Andrews resigned as Victorian Premier in September 2023 after leading the state through the COVID-19 pandemic, including what became the world’s longest lockdown.
At the time, he said the decision followed a serious discussion with his famiily.
Before stepping down, Andrews was the country’s highest-paid state leader. He suggested the demands of the role has come at the cost of time spent with his family.
Andrews is married to Catherine and has three adult children, Noah Joseph and Grace.
The former premier previously spent months in rehabilitation after a serious fall while on holiday on the Mornington Peninsula in 2021. The incident crushed his back, broke several ribs and caused respiratory failure.
He later said he feared he was “going to die” after slipping on steps at a Sorrento property and was placed in intensive care, where breathing machines were used to support his collapsed lungs.
Images: Shutterstock
