John Pesutto calls for Jacinta Allan to be sacked over Commonwealth Games decision

The Opposition Leader says Dan Andrews should sack Jacinta Allan over her “costly and bungled handling” of the Commonwealth Games.

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan. Picture: David Crosling

Opposition Leader John Pesutto has called on Daniel Andrews to sack his planned successor Jacinta Allan over the Commonwealth Games fiasco.

But senior government Minister Colin Brooks hit back on Thursday to issue his full confidence in Ms Allan.

“I reckon there’s more chance that John Pesutto be sacked by his own partyroom,” Mr Brooks said.

It came after the opposition urged Ms Allan, who is deputy Premier and the Minister responsible for delivering the 2026 Commonwealth Games, to resign from cabinet.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto says heads must roll over ministers who oversee costly blowouts on major projects. Picture: David Crosling

He said it was up to the Premier to step in and sack Ms Allan for her “costly and bungled handling” of the now cancelled 2026 Games.

“The Deputy Premier is guilty of gross incompetence and deceit,” Mr Pesutto said.

“She should no longer be a minister, let alone succeed the Premier when he inevitably steps down.

“If ministerial responsibility counts for anything, heads must roll, starting with Jacinta Allan, who continues to oversee costly blowouts on major projects across Victoria.”

Ms Allan is also the state’s Transport Infrastructure Minister and oversees key projects including the Suburban Rail Loop, Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel project and North East Link.

Jacinta Allan will be stripped of the Commonwealth Games Delivery portfolio. Picture: David Crosling

She will be stripped of the Commonwealth Games Delivery portfolio.

Mr Brooks said he continued to have full faith in Ms Allan, adding that there was a “range of factors” that led to the global event being scrapped.

“Ministers can’t control everything,” he said.

“She’s a fantastic deputy Premier.

“I’ve had a lot to do with Jacinta over a long time and every conversation I’ve had with her has been focused on Victorian people, policy and projects.

“She’s a passionate advocate for her community.”

Mr Brooks said Mr Andrews was committed to serving the full term until the 2026 election.

“He delivers really strong government and good government, and he keeps winning elections so I want him to stick around for another couple of terms,” he said.

Originally published as John Pesutto calls for Jacinta Allan to be sacked over Commonwealth Games decision