A Victorian government minister has confirmed she will retire at the next state election after 18 years in office.
Nationals MP for Shepparton Jeanette Powell says she announced her retirement early on Friday night - a week before pre-election in her electorate - because of media speculation.
"This is a distraction from the important issue in my electorate, which is securing the future of SPC Ardmona in Shepparton," she said in a statement.
Ms Powell has been in parliament since 1996 and is the current minister for aboriginal affairs and local government.
The next state election is in November.
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