Premier Jacinta Allan has stared down anonymous detractors raising speculations about her leadership, dismissing them as “navel-gazers” and declaring herself “all in” as Victoria heads towards an uncertain state election stalked by the rise of One Nation.
“I don’t know who these people are,” Allan said on Tuesday morning. “I’ve said navel-gazing is not the answer here. Navel-gazing is not what Victorians want and need.”
The premier conceded for the first time that One Nation is eating into Labor’s support, as well as cannibalising the vote of the Liberal and National parties. She said this was being driven largely by global forces – such as the war in Iran and the global fuel price shock – which are being felt around kitchen tables across the state.
“I am absolutely determined to see this through because when the going gets tough, the tough gets going, and I am all in on this challenge,” she said.
“The old rules of politics have changed. We have seen that, not just today, for some time now. Global shocks are really hurting households – inflation, wage security, job security – is really impacting people’s lives.
“We are seeing One Nation is taking a slice of the Labor Party vote; it is absolutely cannibalising the Liberal Party vote and the National Party vote. But I say to Victorians, the next election is about a choice, about the sort of Victoria we want.
“Navel-gazing is not the answer; doing the hard work is the answer, and I continue to do that work.”
When asked whether she would agree to step aside as premier if she became convinced that another Labor leader would improve the party’s electoral prospects in November, Allan rejected the idea.
Health Minister Harriet Shing, a staunch supporter of the premier, backed her to remain in the job.
“She’s made absolutely clear that we need to build things in order to create a better Victoria, not just for now but for our kids and for their kids,” Shing said. “She has championed the delivery of more housing, she has stood firm against constant opposition and division from the Liberals, from the Nationals and now, from One Nation.”
Shing added, “I’m really proud to stand by the premier.”
Next week’s parliamentary sitting, when the Labor caucus will gather for its regular meeting, is the last before a six-week winter break.
Although Deputy Premier Ben Carroll is seen as the most credible leadership rival, he has not made a claim on the top job.
This is not the first time the premier has been forced to ward off leadership speculation since taking over from Daniel Andrews in 2023. However, rumblings began again last week.
On Friday,The Age spoke to eight Labor MPs across the factional divide who, speaking anonymously to avoid repercussions, said frustration with Allan was building again, and a challenge could take place before the November 28 election.
Others argued that a spill is far from a sure thing, believing the numbers aren’t there for a proper challenge. But all agreed that constant conversations about the rise of One Nation and Labor’s poor polling had contributed to a fractious mood among the party.
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Chip Le Grand leads our state politics reporting team. He previously served as the paper’s chief reporter and is a journalist of 30 years’ experience.Connect via email.From our partners
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