The ongoing Big Build corruption scandal is threatening Jacinta Allan's leadership as Victorian premier, with ministers calling for a royal commission. In what could be her last cabinet meeting, several ministers turned against her, urging her to resign over perceived inaction on corruption allegations. This crisis has shaken the Labor Party ahead of the November election.
Leadership Crisis Unfolds
Factional power brokers agreed to tell Premier Allan that she had lost caucus support. A delegation of ministers and MPs asked her to stand down on Monday morning. Allan refused, declaring she would contest any leadership ballot. Her deputy, Ben Carroll, then announced he would nominate to replace her.
Ministers Turn Against Allan
Police minister Anthony Carbines and frontbenchers from Allan's socialist left faction – including Gabrielle Williams and Ingrid Stitt – argued for a royal commission into Big Build corruption. Carbines told the premier that a new crime agency would lack credibility without such a commission. Allan responded with the same arguments she has used for months: a trade union royal commission had already been held nationally, and the government was already addressing the issue.
Polling and Approval Ratings
Polling shows Labor on track to lose the November election despite an 11-seat buffer from 2022. Allan's personal approval ratings have become a liability. Her close ties to former premier Daniel Andrews have also weighed on her leadership. While Allan has made significant policy departures – including abandoning plans to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 and introducing tough bail laws – these shifts have alienated parts of Labor's progressive base.
Comparison: Allan vs. Andrews Policies
| Policy Area | Daniel Andrews | Jacinta Allan |
|---|---|---|
| Age of Criminal Responsibility | Planned to raise to 14 | Abandoned increase |
| Bail Laws | Relatively moderate | Australia's toughest |
| Big Build Corruption Response | Limited public scrutiny | No royal commission |
Key Takeaways
- Big Build corruption allegations are central to the leadership challenge against Jacinta Allan.
- Ministers from her own faction are demanding a royal commission.
- Labor's polling has collapsed, threatening defeat in the upcoming election.
- Allan's policy shifts have alienated progressive supporters without satisfying critics.
FAQ
What is the Big Build corruption scandal?
The Big Build refers to Victoria's large-scale infrastructure projects. Allegations of corruption involve contract rigging, bribery, and improper dealings within these projects, prompting calls for a royal commission.
Why are ministers demanding Jacinta Allan resign?
Ministers believe Allan's perceived inaction on Big Build corruption has damaged Labor's credibility and electoral prospects. Her refusal to call a royal commission has eroded trust within caucus.
What are Allan's chances of remaining premier?
Allan has declared she will contest any leadership ballot, but her support has weakened significantly. With a leadership challenge from Ben Carroll and poor polling, her position is precarious.
This unfolding political drama highlights the deep divisions within the Victorian Labor Party. The outcome could reshape the state's leadership and policy direction ahead of the November election. Stay tuned to GrandGoldman.com for continuous coverage of Australian politics and the Big Build corruption crisis.