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Jacinta Allan dubbed ‘Minister for the Fyre Festival’ by Labor MP

Infighting over the Commonwealth Games has led to a series of attacks on Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan from her own colleagues.

‘He was rattled’: Journalists not letting Dan Andrews ‘get away’ with cancellation

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan is facing internal attacks on her leadership ambitions over the Commonwealth Games saga, with one agitator saying she should be called the “Minister for the Fyre Festival”.

Insiders questioned whether she was still the frontrunner to become premier when Daniel Andrews quits due to a mounting list of projects in her portfolios that had ballooned billions of dollars over budget.

One Labor MP, asking to remain anonymous, said Ms Allan’s Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery title should be renamed “Minister for the Fyre Festival”.

It is a reference to the ill-fated Bahamas event that promised a luxury experience but failed to provide basic food and accommodation.

Jacinta Allan is the frontrunner to take over from Daniel Andrews as Premier. Picture: Josie Hayden
Jacinta Allan is the frontrunner to take over from Daniel Andrews as Premier. Picture: Josie Hayden

“If this was any other minister, would they still be in Cabinet?” they said.

“It looks like a double standard when you compare it other examples like (former health minister) Jenny Mikakos who were expected to shoulder blame.

“There needs to be clarity about who made this decision and accountability from the responsible minister.”

Frustrations were strongest among regional MPs but there was also concerns of damage to the government’s broader reputation.

Ms Allan at Tuesday’s press conference announcing the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games. Picture: AAP
Ms Allan at Tuesday’s press conference announcing the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games. Picture: AAP

“When the government backtracks on something of this stature what about all the other commitments?” they said.

Responding to the criticism on Wednesday, Ms Allan said she was proud to serve as a member of Cabinet,

“Over the past eight years or so I think I’ve demonstrated that I’m not one to cut and run when challenges get hard,” she said.

“Alongside the Premier and my other colleagues, we will roll our sleeves up, work through the detail, work through the decision making processes and work to make the best decisions for the Victorian community.”

Another Labor MP said Ms Allan remained the frontrunner to lead after Mr Andrews but the scandal was the most credible threat to this plan since she became deputy.

“This might prompt those who think her succession is a sure thing to reconsider what that future looks like,” they said.

“Crazier things have happened in the Australian Labor Party.”

Some backbenchers first heard of the cancellation when it was reported by journalists on social media.

The Premier’s office began calling Melbourne MPs 30 to 45 minutes before the official press conference while Ms Allan called many of those in the regions to deliver the news herself.

Those who spoke to the Premier’s office were asked to avoid negative language and instead spruik the government’s positive announcements such as continued sporting upgrades and regional housing initiatives.

All state Labor MPs will attend a caucus conference on the Mornington Peninsula next week, where the fallout from the decision is expected to be discussed.

But one MP said the responsible ministers would be “protected”.

“Any chance of a real discussion will go out the window to save embarrassment,” they said.

Deputy Opposition Leader David Southwick also took aim at the Deputy Premier, demanding she stand down.

“Ultimately, Jacinta Allan needs to bear the brunt of all of this,” he said.

“Jacinta Allan is the Minister of Commonwealth Games Delivery. All Jacinta Allan is delivering is a huge cost to the taxpayer and just Jacinta Allan should be held to account and she should go.”

Mr Andrews was heckled by a group of angry farmers during his trip to western Victoria to spruik the Commonwealth Games projects that would go ahead.

They said regions have been “completely ignored and forgotten” and were protesting the government’s proposal to build new massive transmission lines in Victoria’s west.

Farmer Jason Barratt said Labor’s decision to pull out of the Commonwealth Games was the final straw, accusing the Andrews Government of “destroying the regions”.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/jacinta-allan-dubbed-minister-for-the-fyre-festival-by-labor-mp/news-story/26cea652e0ba66197eab37cfc2218f87