The Labor Party will announce its new candidate for Bendigo East in the coming days after Jacinta Allan confirmed she’s calling it quits.
Her announcement follows weeks of speculation about her political future, and was made during a media conference in her hometown on Friday, August 14th.
In a speech that lasted several minutes, Ms Allan reflected on her proudest achievements during her time in politics, including the delivery of a new, “world-class” Bendigo hospital, adding she “didn’t waste a day” as the local MP.
“With each day, I lived the values outlined in my first speech to parliament – equality, investment in public health and education, a strong union movement, respect for other people, and the role of the community in decision-making,” Ms Allan said.
Among those who attended the media conference was former Member for Bendigo West, Bob Cameron and his successor, the incumbent Maree Edwards.
In a statement, Ms Edwards said the announcement brings to a close 27 years of “extraordinary” parliamentary service.
“This moment should not be mistaken for defeat. It is a transition – and an opportunity to take confidence from what has been achieved, stand firm in our values and continue the work ahead,” Ms Edwards said.
“I am enormously proud to have served alongside Jacinta – as a colleague, a fellow Bendigo member and a dear friend. I thank her, her family and her wonderful staff for their years of service.”
Federal MP Lisa Chesters also attended the speech and released her own statement, thanking Ms Allan for her “steadfast” commitment to the region.
“Jacinta has been an incredible friend and fantastic mentor from the very first day I was preselected to be a candidate for the Federal seat of Bendigo,” Ms Chesters said.
“She is a great person with a warmth and intellect that puts whoever she engages with at ease.
“Very few women have had the opportunity to step up and lead our [Labor] party or Government at a State or Federal level.
“She is a fantastic role model of what is possible for Victorian women and in particular for young women and girls.”
Ms Allan was elected as Bendigo East’s MP at the 1999 state election, one day before her 26th birthday.
In doing so, she became not only the youngest person to represent the electorate, but also the first woman in its history and its first Labor member in the post-war era.
Then-Premier Steve Bracks saw her potential as a future leader of the party, naming her the Minister for Employment and Youth Affairs following his government’s re-election in 2002.
She would go on to become Deputy Premier under Daniel Andrews, before earning the top job herself in September 2023.
Her leadership came to an end last month after a months-long decline in her approval ratings, leading to a loss of support among Labor’s caucus.
She’ll continue to serve as MP for Bendigo East until the next state election in November.
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