Jacinta Allan resigned as Victoria's premier on Tuesday, ending a nearly three-year tenure marked by infrastructure projects and a focus on women's health. In an emotionally charged speech, Allan highlighted her government's achievements, including tackling rising crime rates, making housing more affordable, reducing public transport fares, and overseeing the Metro Tunnel opening. However, she emphasized her work on women's health as her most significant legacy.
Focus on women's health
Allan stated, "I'm a woman, I'm a mum. I have lived with endometriosis and I almost lost my daughter at birth. These experiences not only defined who I am, they defined what I believe government should do for working women." Her government opened 15 women's health clinics focusing on conditions like endometriosis, made the contraceptive pill available over the counter, and introduced Penthrox (the "green whistle") as pain relief for IUD insertion procedures. An inquiry into women's pain drew over 10,000 submissions. "This is what happens when women are heard," Allan said. "I'm proud to be Victoria's second female premier."
Political rise and challenges
Allan entered parliament in 1999 at age 25, becoming the youngest female state MP in Victoria. She joined Labor at 19 and worked for MPs, gaining prominence by campaigning against a lapdance venue in Bendigo. After Labor's victory in 1999, she rose quickly, joining cabinet after three years. Under Premier Daniel Andrews, she became a key ally, serving as minister for public transport and later overseeing major infrastructure like the suburban rail loop and the Big Build. However, allegations of wrongdoing on the Big Build later became a political liability.
Leadership and departure
Allan became premier in 2023 after Andrews resigned, but her ascension was contested by Ben Carroll, who secured the deputy role. As premier, she introduced stamp duty concessions for new builds and rezoned 50 areas for higher density housing. However, her close ties to Andrews and policy shifts—such as shelving a duck hunting ban and abandoning plans to raise the age of criminal responsibility—alienated progressive voters. Polling suggested Labor was on track to lose the November election. Allan initially planned to contest a leadership ballot but stepped aside to avoid a prolonged process. "At the end of the day, I am – and always will be – a team player," she said. Ben Carroll has succeeded her as premier.
