Victorian Labor MPs have privately expressed frustration and concern over Premier Jacinta Allan’s vow to “double down” on the $125 billion Suburban Rail Loop, warning if federal Labor lose the election the state government will be left on the hook for billions.

Federal Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan sparked internal ructions last week when he said he would introduce a petition in federal parliament urging the Albanese government to abandon its support for the rail loop, amid a federal Coalition push to dump financial support for the project.