The Member for Bendigo East is no longer in charge of Victoria.
Jacinta Allan announced she was resigning as state leader of the Labor Party, and Premier at a press conference in Melbourne this morning (Tuesday, July 28th).
Confirmation of her intentions came just half an hour before a scheduled caucus meeting which would have seen Labor MPs force a ballot for the party’s leadership.
Speaking to the media, Ms Allan said her decision was “the right thing” to do for both her party “and the Victorian people”.
“I was prepared to put my record and my plan to a ballot of members, as our [party’s] rules allow,” Ms Allan said.
“I believe I would have won.
“But doing so this close to an election takes up valuable resources, including the most precious of one: time.
“More importantly, it puts the state in a position of uncertainty.
“That hurts the Victorian people and I just won’t do that.”
In an emotional and defiant 15-minute speech, Ms Allan thanked those who had supported her in the role of Premier, while also listing the achievements she was most proud of during her time in office.
They included tougher bail laws, putting the state back into surplus, making public transport free for children, and making Working-from-Home a legally enshrined right.
She also spoke about her efforts to improve women’s health.
“I’ve lived with endometriosis, and I almost lost my daughter at birth,” Ms Allan said.
“These experiences not only defined who I am, they defined what I believe governments should do for working women.
“If I want to be remembered for one thing, it’s this: I led a government that listened to girls about their health.
“We opened 15 women’s health clinics across the state; we’ve rolled out the Green Whistle for pain relief free of charge; and you can get The Pill at the chemist without having to see a GP.”
She added that while there had been moments that were hard in the top job, “the chance to make a difference was worth it”.
“And if you’re a woman making your start in politics, let me say this to you today: please don’t look at what I have experienced this week and think, ‘Stuff that, I don’t want to be involved.’
“Look at the support I’ve received over my career and think, ‘I can make a difference here too.’”
Have you got a story to share? We’ll happily receive it through BendigoNews@ARN.com.au
