Victorian premier Jacinta Allan has declared she remains committed to leading the state despite renewed speculation about her future and criticism following poor polling and rising support for One Nation.
At her first press conference since Labor MPs revived discussions about a possible leadership spill, Allan dismissed the reports and said her focus remained on helping Victorians facing cost-of-living pressures.
“I’ve seen these reports,” Allan said, describing the discussion as “navel gazing” while people were struggling with household expenses.
She pointed to government measures including a 20% reduction in vehicle registration costs, half-price public transport until the end of the year and support for working from home.
When asked about MPs reportedly expressing frustration, Allan acknowledged changing political conditions and growing economic pressures on households.
“We don’t need polls to necessarily tell us that the old rules of politics, they’re changing,” she said.
Allan also recognised that One Nation was attracting support from Liberal, National and Labor voters, arguing governments must continue listening to voters and responding to economic concerns.
Asked whether any Labor MPs had urged her to step down, Allan replied “no” before adding: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going, and I am all in.”
The premier also responded to comments from Pauline Hanson regarding a truck-mounted billboard displaying an AI-generated image of Allan alongside the phrase “ditch the witch”.
After Hanson said Allan should “suck it up, sweetheart”, the premier responded: “Pauline Hanson chooses to barrack for the bullies. I choose to fight them.”
Allan said sexism had no place in politics and argued public figures had a responsibility to challenge misogynistic behaviour. She said she would continue speaking out against sexism to ensure young women and girls did not see such conduct as normal.
The billboard attracted criticism from several prominent figures, including former prime minister Julia Gillard and prime minister Anthony Albanese.
Allan praised the support she received, saying Gillard’s response “made my heart sing” and arguing political disagreement should never be expressed through sexist or hateful attacks.