Jacinta Allan is Victoria’s new premier. In this story, first published last year, we explore if this self-confessed “goody two shoes” has what it takes for the job.
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.This story was first published on July 30 last year, when Jacinta Allan was named Victoria’s deputy premier.
Allan is a self-confessed goody two shoes, and caucus colleagues describe her as diligent, dutiful and even boring. She has studiously avoided controversy and, according to staff, prides herself on being on top of her portfolios of transport infrastructure, Suburban Rail Loop and delivering the Commonwealth Games.In many ways, Allan’s approach to her political career was shaped by her arrival at Spring Street at the age of 26. “I was conscious that I was a very young woman,” she says.
For her honours year, she interned for federal Labor MP Lindsay Tanner’s office in Canberra before slotting into a spot in the electorate office of Neil O’Keefe, and later Stephen Gibbons in Bendigo. Other than a brief stint on a Coles checkout, Allan’s entire career has been in politics.In early interviews, Allan spoke openly about her life away from politics. These days, she is more likely to sidestep personal questions.
It’s a view shared by former COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar, who worked alongside Allan in her various transport portfolios and more recently when, as acting premier, she decided to shut the NSW border during the busy summer holiday period, due to rising COVID cases. “It was about making sure that when you were given the opportunity to speak or present that you could show that you could do it.” But that work ethic hasn’t always shielded her from political storms.As minister for transport infrastructure, Allan has overseen billions of dollars in cost blowouts and delays on Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel rail project and the troubled West Gate Tunnel.
“As a member of parliament and a minister I found her to be incredibly supportive in a professional and personal sense,” Symes says. “There are only a few people who understand what this job entails and having someone as approachable, accessible and trustworthy has been hugely helpful.”Some colleagues suspect the roots of hostility towards Allan stem from her factional allegiance. While a member of the Socialist Left faction, Allan has never been a public champion of social reform.
As a young party member, she recalls listening to party members engage in “esoteric debates about Cuba” while her focus was on her community and improving the outcomes for traditional working people in her electorate.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jacinta Allan confirms leadership bid following Daniel Andrews’ resignationDeputy Premier Jacinta Allan has confirmed her bid for the leadership of the Victorian Labor Party following Daniel Andrews’ resignation. The outgoing Victorian Premier’s resignation will take effect at 5pm on Wednesday, with the Labor caucus to then decide on his successor. Ms Allan congratulated the outgoing Premier in a social media post and confirmed her leadership bid, saying: “I will be putting myself forward to lead our party and continue the extraordinary work of our Labor government.” “I’m putting it better than even money that Jacinta Allan is premier … come tomorrow,” Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell said. “The last thing this government needs in this situation is a leadership contest … and so that’s what they’ll be trying to avoid.”
Read more »
Jacinta Allan the frontrunner to succeed Daniel Andrews after shock resignationVictoria’s Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan is set to run for the state’s top job. The race has begun to replace outgoing Premier Daniel Andrews after his shock resignation on Tuesday afternoon. Ms Allan is the running favourite but senior Labor sources have told Sky News Australia there may be discussions over whether the ballot will be contested. A caucus meeting is to be held on Wednesday and could very well produce a new Victorian premier. The process itself could take up to three days to determine a successor.
Read more »
Live: Jacinta Allan to replace Daniel Andrews as premier of VictoriaJacinta Allan has been elected unopposed as Victoria's new premier after Daniel Andrews's resignation, with Ben Carroll as deputy. Follow all the action in our live blog.
Read more »
Jacinta Allan will replace Daniel Andrews as Victorian premierJacinta Allan will be Victoria's next premier, replacing Daniel Andrews and becoming the state's second female leader.
Read more »
Jacinta Allan elected as new Victorian premier after Daniel Andrews’ resignationWATCH LIVE: Jacinta Allan speaks after being named Victorian premier; Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka tells a Senate inquiry the decision to block Qatar Airways flights is a “lost opportunity”. Follow updates here.
Read more »
Jacinta Allan elected as 49th premier of Victoria, replacing Daniel AndrewsJacinta Allan will be Victoria's next premier, replacing Daniel Andrews and becoming the state's second female leader.
Read more »