“Economic Suicide?” Critics Slam Allan’s ‘Desperate’ Election Gamble
SHOCK POLL SLUMP: Is Jacinta Allan on Borrowed Time Before November?
Fresh polling has dropped — and it’s sent tremors through Victorian politics.
With the November state election looming, Premier Jacinta Allan is staring down numbers that suggest Labor’s once-commanding grip on Victoria may be slipping.
And the big question now being whispered in political circles?
Does she even make it to polling day as leader?
Work-From-Home Gamble: Lifeline or Liability?
For the second day running, Allan has been out defending her controversial plan to legislate a right for employees to work from home two days a week — unless employers can prove special circumstances.
The law would apply across the board, including small businesses.
“It’s fair,” the Premier insists.
Critics, however, argue the move risks burdening already stretched businesses. Some small operators claim it could leave offices empty, increase costs, and damage CBD economies. Others warn jobs could simply be outsourced.
Allan appears to see the policy as a centrepiece for securing a fourth consecutive term for Labor — which would extend the party’s uninterrupted rule in Victoria to 16 years.
But is it cutting through with voters?
Polls Spell Trouble
According to fresh polling published in the Herald Sun, Labor is narrowly ahead on primary vote — just 28% to the Coalition’s 27%.
More striking, however, is the surge for One Nation, sitting at 23% in a state traditionally considered a weak spot for the party.
The Australian Greens trail at 13%, with others at 9%.
If those numbers hold, preference flows will become decisive — and volatile.
Allan didn’t hide her frustration when asked about One Nation’s rise, accusing the Liberals of abandoning what she described as Victoria’s tradition of diversity.
But critics say the spike in minor party support suggests discontent is spreading beyond traditional conservative voters — potentially eating into Labor’s base.
Preferred Premier: A Red Flag
Perhaps more concerning for Allan is the preferred Premier measure.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson — relatively unknown statewide — reportedly leads 46% to Allan’s 30%.
For a sitting Premier, that’s a warning light flashing bright red.
Victorian Labor has a history of ruthless leadership discipline. Under former Premier Daniel Andrews, the party won three elections despite fierce criticism over prolonged COVID lockdowns.
Now insiders are speculating: does Labor stay the course — or consider a leadership pivot before November?
Names like Ben Carroll are already being floated in commentary as a potential reset option.
Crime, Corruption — And a Royal Commission?
Allan has also pushed an “adult time for adult crime” message aimed at tackling serious youth offending. But skeptics question whether the courts will enforce the rhetoric as promised.
Meanwhile, the spectre of a potential Royal Commission into alleged corruption linked to the CFMEU looms large.
Polling suggests 74% of respondents support further investigations.
The controversy is particularly sensitive given Allan’s previous ministerial oversight of major infrastructure projects during the period in question. She has resisted calls to expand the powers of Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog, IBAC — a stance critics argue could fuel voter frustration.
Even traditionally Labor-leaning outlets like The Age have signalled they intend to keep the pressure on.
November: Survival or Collapse?
So what happens next?
Scenario one: Labor replaces Allan before the campaign heats up.
Scenario two: She leads the party into November, scrapes back in with a slashed majority — and faces a bruising second act.
Or scenario three: the tightening polls reflect a deeper mood shift in Victoria — one that no late policy pivot can fix.
Work-from-home reform. Youth crime crackdowns. Corruption investigations.
Will any of it be enough?
November is coming — and the numbers suggest it may not be a comfortable ride for the Premier.
