Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has used his first press conference to thank his supporters and take a swipe at "vile rumours" being spread about the circumstances surrounding his injury.
The premier returned to work today after spending 111 days recovering from broken ribs and spinal damage suffered by falling on wet stairs in Sorrento, on the Mornington Peninsula, in March.
Mr Andrews today thanked his colleagues, medical professionals and his family for ongoing support during his recovery.
READ MORE: Premier's wife reveals horror of seeing Daniel Andrews turning blue
"It's great to be back after a lengthy absence, one that was required in terms of a very serious injury," he said.
"I want to thank Cath and the kids, I want to thank my medical team, I want to thank every Victorian that has sent me cards and notes and best wishes.
"I want to thank Deputy Premier James Merlino who has done an astounding job."
The premier said the well-wishes and support he received "meant the world" to him.
Some details about the premier's condition were unknown at the time of his accident and Liberal MP earlier this month asked a series of questions about who owned the holiday home where Mr Andrews and his family were staying, who called the ambulance, and whether police had interviewed the premier.
Mr Andrews said despite releasing a statement about his injury in his own words, putting an end to the "vile stories" about the incident may not be possible.
However, the premier did not appear fazed by the "fools" who spread misinformation about his injury.
"People who make up their own facts, you're best not really to get into an argument with them," he said.
"It's very difficult to win those arguments. People know me, they know my work, they know my background. They know that I love my family and I love my state.
"Never get into an argument with a fool."
The premier said he had spent months recovering so he could get back to helping Victorians.
"I have spent four months doing rehab, not getting fit to get out, but getting fit and healthy to get back to work for the people of Victoria," Mr Andrews said.
"That's what I'm doing, and that's what I'll do for as long as the people of Victoria want me to do that important work."
Mr Andrews said the holiday home where he and his family were staying was rented and paid for by himself and he was on official leave at the time.
Andrews reaffirms his commitment as premier
Mr Andrews said it was only normal to reassess your priorities in life following a serious accident.
"I think it's only human when you have a big and traumatic event in your life, you look at what you're doing, you assess what's important, in many respects you're reminded of what's absolutely important," he said.
"Obviously my family are important to me, they're everything to me. But every Victorian family means a lot to me as well. That's the oath that I swore."
Mr Andrews said he was committed to his role of Premier of Victoria.
"I'm not the sort of person who quits. I'm not the sort of person who cuts and runs. There's big work to be done and I'm up for that, I'm up for that for as long as Victorians want me to do that important work."
Premier reveals details of ongoing recovery
Mr Andrews said his fractured spine had "basically healed".
However, his broken ribs will take another three months to heal.
"It's not like a strained ankle - you can't short-circuit this, you can't cheat it," he said.
"You can't get back quicker than it takes to get fit and well. I thought it was an opportunity not just to be fit and well, but to be more fit, more well, stronger than I've ever been. That's where I find myself now."
Mr Andrews said he will have some rib pain for some time, describing the sound of his horror fall as "sickening".
The premier is taking a couple of anti-inflammatory tablets a day and pain relief if he needs it.
"Cath and I are walking every night, doing some personal training as well," he said.
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