In short:
Former Victorian premier Jacinta Allan will leave politics at the November 2026 Victorian election after almost 27 years in Parliament. Her career included overseeing major Big Build projects, the scrapped Commonwealth Games and nearly three years as Premier.
Former Premier Will Not Contest Seat
Former Victorian premier Jacinta Allan will leave politics at November’s state election, bringing an end to a parliamentary career spanning almost 27 years.
The Member for Bendigo East announced on 14 August that she would not recontest the seat she has held since 1999, just over a fortnight after stepping down as Premier and Labor leader.
Ms Allan entered Parliament aged 25 and went on to become a minister, Deputy Premier and eventually Victoria’s second female Premier.
“I am proud to say I didn’t waste a day,” Ms Allan said.
“With each day, I lived the values outlined in my first speech to parliament — quality investments in public health and education, a strong union movement, respect for other people and the role of the community in decision making.”
Legacy Will Leave Mixed Opinions
Her departure closes one of the longest careers in contemporary Victorian politics and leaves a legacy likely to draw mixed opinions.
Before becoming Premier, Ms Allan spent years at the centre of the Andrews Government’s infrastructure agenda, holding major transport and infrastructure portfolios and overseeing projects forming part of Victoria’s Big Build.
That included major projects such as the Metro Tunnel and level crossing removals, while the government also faced scrutiny over the cost and delivery of its infrastructure program.
Ms Allan also served as Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery after Victoria secured the 2026 Games.
Andrews-Allan Control Of Party Relinquished
The Games were ultimately scrapped by the Victorian Government in July 2023 amid escalating projected costs, just months before Ms Allan succeeded Daniel Andrews as Premier.
She became Premier in September 2023 after Mr Andrews resigned from politics, having served as his deputy since 2022.
Her time as Premier ended on 27 July 2026, when she stood down as Labor leader after losing the confidence of a majority of her parliamentary party. Ben Carroll subsequently became Premier.
Ms Allan will remain the Member for Bendigo East until the November election.
