The hatred of Jacinta Allan was unfair. But it had become visceral

July 28, 2026 — 7:30pm

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.

A Labor MP this week relayed her exasperation at knocking on doors in their electorate, trying to talk to constituents. Throughout what used to be safe Labor streets, one door was slammed after the next.

“They hate her,” she said flatly.

This has been the experience of government MPs for months.

A visceral loathing of Jacinta Allan had seeped into the state, making it impossible for her caucus colleagues to have door-step and train-station conversations about cost-of-living relief and schools and local transport.

Some of this was unfair. Some of it odious and misogynistic. Some of it was hand-me-down hatred inherited from Daniel Andrews. For government MPs, the rights and wrongs mattered less than the need to find a way to connect with people who, in four months, will decide whether they keep their........

© The Age