Jacinta Allan spill rumours have reignited in Victorian Labor, just months out from the state election, as Premier Jacinta Allan faces intense scrutiny over her handling of three major political tests this week. Her responses to calls for integrity law reform, contentious political donation legislation, and a newly appointed minister’s controversial character references have left some Labor MPs questioning her capacity to lead the party to victory.
The first challenge emerged on Monday, concerning Victoria’s anti-corruption body, Ibac. Premier Allan agreed to grant Ibac ‘follow-the-dollar’ powers to investigate public money spending by private contractors and subcontractors, alongside a broader definition of corrupt conduct. These reforms, however, will not be legislated until late 2027 if Labor wins the November election. This timeline has drawn criticism from several Labor MPs, who argue the premier should have acted months ago, especially following a report six months prior recommending sweeping reforms and allegations of union corruption on government projects that could have cost taxpayers up to $15 billion. One anonymous MP stated,
“It could have cauterised an issue that was causing us to bleed votes.”
The second major test involved Victoria’s political donation laws. Following the High Court’s decision in April to strike down a section of the Electoral Act, which removed the previous cap of $4,970 over a four-year term, there were no limits or disclosure requirements on political donations. Premier Allan announced a deal with the Greens and crossbench MPs to impose a $7,500 donation cap per donor over four years, reintroduce disclosure measures, and increase public funding. This move, which passed on Friday morning after a marathon debate, was fiercely criticised by the opposition, who labelled the bill as “rigged,” “dodgy,” and a “dirty racket,” with Deputy Liberal leader David Southwick accusing the government of attempting to “steal an election.” While the Coalition claimed Labor would benefit from union affiliation fees and increased administrative funding, union fees cannot be used for campaigning, and the Coalition also benefits from increased administrative funding. Independent candidates Sophie Torney and Shima Ibuki, who received substantial donations from Climate 200 during the period without donation laws, confirmed they would have to return these funds, potentially bankrupting their campaigns, while major parties are perceived to be filling their war chests with taxpayer money.
Ministerial Misstep Fuels Jacinta Allan Spill Rumours
The third and perhaps most character-damaging test for the premier involved revelations about newly appointed minister Luba Grigorovitch. It emerged that Grigorovitch had written 33 character references, some of which she now regrets. These included references for a taxi driver who assaulted female passengers, two men accused of domestic violence, a supporter of former Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and a man fined for selling counterfeit clothing. The opposition has relentlessly pursued this matter, attempting to link it to Grigorovitch’s friendship with former construction union leader John Setka and demanding her removal from cabinet. Critics within Labor privately contrasted the situation with a Liberal candidate who was stripped of their endorsement for writing a character reference for a sex offender, suggesting a stronger response was warranted. Premier Allan, however, has stated the matter is addressed, with Grigorovitch vowing never to write another character reference.
The cumulative effect of these events has left several Labor MPs expressing concern over a persistent cycle of damaging headlines. One MP noted, “Week after week after week there’s a new drama.” Another expressed disappointment that last month’s cost-of-living focused budget, intended as a “circuit breaker,” had failed to stem the flow of negative news. Combined with poor polling, Premier Allan’s weak personal ratings, and rising support for One Nation, the internal disquiet has intensified, fueling speculation that her leadership is once again at risk. Despite a perceived lack of a viable candidate capable of uniting the party’s left and right factions, the sentiment among some MPs, particularly those fearful of losing their seats, is that a leadership change is still possible. “It’s not too late,” one MP asserted, underscoring the deep anxiety within the Labor ranks as the November election looms. Related politics & policy articles indicate a broader trend of leadership instability across Australian states.
The current political climate in Victoria suggests a precarious path ahead for Jacinta Allan. The integrity of the government, the fairness of electoral processes, and the judgment of its ministers have all been brought into sharp focus this week. The ongoing legal challenges to the new donation laws and the lingering questions surrounding Grigorovitch’s conduct mean these issues are far from resolved. With an election just months away, the ability of Premier Allan to regain public trust and unite her party will be critical in determining Labor’s electoral fate. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether these challenges are merely bumps in the road or signal a more fundamental shift in Victoria’s political landscape.
