Former Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has resigned from state parliament, concluding a 27-year political career. Allan announced she will not contest the Bendigo East seat, which she has held since 1999, in the upcoming November election.
Allan, 52, stepped down as premier last month after nearly three years in the role. She was succeeded by internal rival Ben Carroll. Allan was first elected to the Victorian parliament in 1999 at age 25, making her the youngest female Member of Parliament at the time. She later became the state's youngest minister at age 29.
She assumed the role of premier in September 2023, succeeding Daniel Andrews, who led the Labor party to election victories in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
In her resignation speech last month, Allan highlighted reforms to women's health. She shared personal experiences, stating, "I'm a woman, I'm a mum. I have lived with endometriosis and I almost lost my daughter at birth." She added that these experiences shaped her belief in the role of government in supporting working women and that her government listened to women regarding their health. Allan also cited accomplishments such as major infrastructure projects, the removal of level crossings, strengthening anti-hate laws, establishing a treaty with Aboriginal Victorians, and planning reforms to boost housing construction.
However, her tenure as premier and her earlier role as transport infrastructure minister from 2018 to 2023, overseeing the state's "Big Build" program, are also noted. This period was marked by corruption allegations within the construction sector, which were explored in a Queensland inquiry and media reports. Allan stated that her government took action upon learning of alleged union misconduct in mid-2024 but declined to call a royal commission.
Additionally, as the minister responsible for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Allan faced criticism after the government paid a $380 million settlement to cancel the regional Victorian event.