Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is under scrutiny following a significant drop in her approval ratings, which have plummeted to an unprecedented net satisfaction score of minus 35. This rating marks the lowest among political leaders across Australia, as highlighted by a recent Redbridge poll surveying over 2,000 individuals. Amidst the challenging opinions, Allan visited one of the five new Metro Tunnel stations, asserting her confidence in the support from her party members.
“I’ll leave commentary to others,” Allan stated, maintaining that she feels supported by her colleagues. She emphasised the collective focus on governance rather than media speculation. Since the resignation of former Premier Daniel Andrews in September 2023, the popularity of the Labor party has been dwindling. Current polls reveal the Coalition leading with 41 per cent of voter support in stark contrast to Labor’s 29 per cent.
After preferences are accounted for, the competition remains tight, with the Coalition having a narrow edge of 51 per cent to Labor’s 49 per cent. Allan’s declining popularity has sparked discussions about a potential leadership change following the upcoming federal election, with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams mentioned as possible successors. However, Williams has expressed her unwavering confidence in Allan, dismissing the idea of her promotion and affirming that the team is united in their efforts.
The looming state election is creating further tension as Labour is apprehensive that Allan’s leadership could jeopardise their prospects in key Victorian seats. Pollster Kos Samaras has indicated that while Labour may excel in other areas, they could face significant losses in Victoria, potentially affecting their overall standing in the government.
As the situation develops, Allan’s ability to steer her party and maintain her leadership position remains uncertain, amidst a shifting political landscape in the state.