Mr Noonan thanked his wife and family for their "love and encouragement". "It has been difficult to cope with the constant exposure to details of unspeakable crimes and traumatic events that are an everyday part of my role and the accumulation of these experiences has taken an unexpected toll." Premier Daniel Andrews said he supported Mr Noonan's decision, calling it "courageous" and in the best interests of his health and family. "I wish Wade and his family all the best and look forward to him resuming his cabinet and parliamentary responsibilities in due course," he said. Finance Minister Robin Scott will assume Mr Noonan's duties while he is on leave.

Peter Ryan, who served as police and emergency services minister from December 2010 to March 2013, said the role involved regular briefings from senior police, particularly the chief commissioner. "You had a very close liaison with the commissioner as to what was happening at the very sharp end of the stick," Mr Ryan said. "You took the calls with a sense of dread." The conversations often related to murders, drug busts, sex crimes and crimes against children. There were briefings on the deaths of police officers and terrible road accidents. All of it was troubling. Mr Ryan said he particularly remembers the tragic rape and murder of Jill Meagher as a confronting time. "It was extraordinarily testing for all concerned, particularly when police caught Adrian Bayley and that night he took them to where he had buried the poor lady."

Chairman of beyondblue and former premier, Jeff Kennett, applauded Mr Noonan's decision. "I am sad that he has had to take this action but I salute him for doing so," he said. Mr Kennett also congratulated Mr Andrews for his response. He cited the experience of former Norwegian prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik who took a leave of absence to treat depression before successfully returning to the job. Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton thanked Mr Noonan for his "diligent and enthusiastic support" for the police force. "At Victoria Police we know all too well the impact of mental health in the emergency services sector," he said. "I wish him and family well over the coming months."

Opposition Leader Matthew said he wished Mr Noonan all the best and looked forward to seeing him at parliament soon. While judges are offered counselling, it remains unclear what support services are available to politicians. For help or information, call Lifeline 131 114 and beyondblue 1300 224 636.