Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan vows to 'see it through' despite party discontent
Tue 9 Jun 2026 at 11:31am
Jacinta Allan is facing a barrage of questions about her leadership today. (ABC News)
In short:
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has brushed off questions about her leadership amid discontent from within her party over her performance.
Some Labor MPs are frustrated over her handing of CFMEU corruption, however nobody is counting numbers for a leadership challenge.
A poll published by News Corp found a majority of voters, and 39 per cent of Labor voters, think she should be replaced.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has brushed off questions about her leadership amid discontent from within her party, wheeling out the classic phrase: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
An opinion poll published by News Corp this week reported a majority of voters believe it's time for her to be replaced as Victoria Labor leader.
The Freshwater Strategy poll said that was also the opinion of 39 per cent of Labor voters.
The ABC understands some Labor MPs are becoming increasingly frustrated with the premier's performance and are questioning her judgement, particularly over her handling of the CFMEU corruption scandal.
Some MPs are concerned the premier shows no sign of turning around polling numbers, which are continuing to slide in the face of challenges from the Liberals and One Nation.
Jacinta Allan and Jess Wilson will face off in the Victorian election in November, with One Nation also likely to play a significant role. (ABC News)
Facing a barrage of questions about her leadership today, Ms Allan was adamant she would stay the course.
"I've seen these reports and I make it clear that people are looking for help and navel-gazing doesn't help people with those cost-of-living pressures that are so real right now," she said.
"I'm all in ... I am absolutely determined to see this through."
Speaking at a press conference in Bendigo this afternoon, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed the premier and said she was doing a "great job".
"She absolutely is the best person, not to lead Labor, but to lead Victoria because Victoria needs a strong premier," he said.
"I've known Jacinta for a long period of time ... [she] has a record of delivering for this local community. I know that she's so passionate about it and she'll continue to do so."
Anthony Albanese tells reporters in Bendigo that Jacinta Allan is the best person to lead Victoria. (ABC News)
It's understood nobody in the Labor party has begun to count the numbers for a leadership challenge just yet and no alternative candidate has emerged above speculation.
However, some MPs have said they believe a challenge is likely, but couch that position by saying there is no full-throated campaign yet.
A majority of Labor MPs acknowledge the electoral problems facing the government, but many remain steadfast in the status quo, saying a change of leadership would do further damage to Labor chances of re-election.
Ms Allan said she had no knowledge of any leadership rumblings from within her own party and said no MP had approached her with concerns.
"I've seen these reports, I don't know who these people are,"she said.
Of the CFMEU issue which appears to hang heavy over her government, Ms Allan was keen to point out she had strengthened the powers of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and would look at strengthening them further.
"We are going to give IBAC follow-the-money powers, we are going to make those powers retrospective," she said.
Victorian Health Minister Harriet Shing backed Ms Allan's leadership at a press conference on Tuesday.
However, she did acknowledge that she was now fighting a battle on several fronts, with One Nation now eating into the Liberal and Labor vote.
"I do acknowledge that the old rules of politics have changed. We have seen that, not just today but for some time now. The global shocks are really hurting households," Ms Allan said.
"I don't believe that Victorians want cuts and chaos that comes with a right-wing partnership with a Liberal-National-One Nation outfit."
Ms Allan had the backing today of one of her senior cabinet colleagues, with Health Minister Harriet Shing voicing her support.
"She has stood firm against constant opposition and division from the Liberals, from the Nationals and now from One Nation," Ms Shing said.
"I'm really proud to stand by the premier and I know others are too."
How many others and for how long are the questions now facing the premier between now and the state election in November.