Dog-driver scandal MP quits Vic parliament

The Victorian MP caught getting his taxpayer-funded driver to ferry his two dogs between homes has quit parliament.

Former corrections minister Steve Herbert gave a valedictory speech in the Legislative Council on Thursday afternoon.

He will not return at the next sitting week in May, but retirement does not trigger a by-election as Labor can select his replacement.

In his speech to the upper house, Mr Herbert said he was facing health challenges and wanted to spend more time looking after himself and with his family.

"It requires 100 per cent to do this job, and no less. And I'm sorry to say that I no longer have 100 per cent to give," he said.

"Before the next sitting I will formally inform the governor of my resignation and won't be returning to this place to speak."

Mr Herbert sensationally quit cabinet in November 2016 when he was caught getting his taxpayer-funded driver to ferry his dogs Patch and Ted more than 120 kilometres between his city Parkdale home and his Trentham country residence.

Premier Daniel Andrews said Mr Herbert's work in the training portfolio led the government's efforts to strengthen the sector.

"I thank Steve for his many years of service to the Labor Party, the government and the people of Victoria and wish him and his family well for the future," he said in a statement.

Mr Herbert was elected into the Legislative Assembly as the member for Eltham in 2002, but moved to the upper house in the 2014 election.