Allan under pressure: Speculation intensifies over Andrews’ future role in Australian politics

Jacinta Allan Pressed on Potential Future Role as Premier Amid Speculation of Daniel Andrews Quitting Politics

Victoria’s Deputy Premier, Jacinta Allan, has been facing questions about her political future amidst mounting speculation that Daniel Andrews, the current Premier of Victoria, will soon step down from his position. With three consecutive election victories under his belt, rumors have been circulating for months that Mr. Andrews is considering retirement from politics. Opposition Leader John Pesutto recently predicted that Mr. Andrews will leave parliament this year, arguing that the Premier had “checked out” after more than eight years in the role.

Political Succession and Leadership Transition

During an interview with Tom Elliott on 3AW, Ms. Allan was asked whether she is next in line to replace Mr. Andrews once he concludes his tenure as Premier. This question arose just hours after Ms. Allan stood alongside Mr. Andrews to announce the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria due to a major cost blowout. However, rather than directly answering Elliott’s question, Ms. Allan preferred to focus on her current roles and responsibilities as Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and the Suburban Rail Loop, and the Member of Parliament for Bendigo East.

Ms. Allan emphasized her enjoyment of her current positions and her dedication to representing the community in Bendigo, as well as her involvement in important transport infrastructure projects such as the Metro tunnel, the Suburban Rail Loop, and the North East Link. She also pointed out Mr. Andrews‘ repeated statements after the November 2022 state election, where he expressed his commitment to serving a full term. Ms. Allan made it clear that she is content with her current responsibilities and is focused on delivering important projects for the state of Victoria.

Mr. Andrews‘ Commitment to Remaining as Premier

Mr. Andrews himself has reiterated his dedication to serving as Premier. In a recent interview with Il Globo, he confirmed that he has “a lot to do, a lot to build, a lot to see through.” When asked if he intended to seek a fourth mandate, Mr. Andrews replied with an unequivocal “absolutely.” It is important to note that there have been no discussions regarding a leadership transition between Mr. Andrews and Ms. Allan since her election as Deputy Premier last year after James Merlino’s resignation. With Ms. Allan being from the same Socialist Left faction as Mr. Andrews, she received unanimous support from her colleagues in the caucus, with the Premier himself endorsing her as Deputy Premier.

The Decision to Cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games

During her interview with Elliott, Ms. Allan defended the government’s decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which were originally planned to be held across Geelong, Bendigo, Shepparton, Ballarat, and Gippsland. She explained that the decision was based on a straightforward assessment of the numbers. Initially, the budget set aside $2.6 billion for the event. However, as the planning and design progressed, the projected cost skyrocketed to over $6 billion for a 12-day event. Given this significant cost escalation, it became apparent that canceling the games was in the best interests of Victoria.

Government’s Alternative Plan

Instead of hosting the Commonwealth Games, the government has announced a $2 billion package that includes a tourism fund and a boost to social and affordable housing across regional Victoria. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to redirecting funds towards more pressing community needs and priorities. While the cancellation of such a prestigious event might initially be disappointing, the government’s alternative plan focuses on enhancing the well-being and livelihoods of the people in regional Victoria.

In conclusion, the current speculation surrounding Daniel Andrews‘ potential retirement from politics raises questions about the future leadership of Victoria. While Jacinta Allan has been touted as a possible successor, she remains focused on her current responsibilities and expresses her satisfaction in serving the community of Bendigo. Mr. Andrews himself adamantly asserts his commitment to serving as Premier, with no discussions of a leadership transition taking place. As the political landscape evolves, it is critical for the government to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people of Victoria, as demonstrated by their decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games and redirect resources to benefit the community.