Significant distrust for Jacinta Allan based on corruption allegations related to the CFMEU, ‘Big Build’, and financial mismanagement foreshadowed her resignation

Prior to former Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s resignation, she faced months of leadership speculation and was beset by allegations of corruption related to the CFMEU, the State’s contentious ‘Big Build’ project, and widespread perceptions of financial mismanagement which came to a head this week according to a special Roy Morgan SMS Poll with 1,854 Victorians aged 18+ conducted from July 20-22, 2026.

Almost one-in-ten Victorians, 8.8%, nominated former Premier Jacinta Allan as someone they distrusted when asked: “Thinking about the upcoming Victorian state election, who do you distrust?” – this was easily more than double any other Victorian political figure.

Only 1.5% of Victorians said they trusted former Premier Jacinta Allan before she resigned as leader earlier today. This is a disastrous Net Distrust result of -7.3 for Allan.

In contrast, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has a Net Trust result of +6.1 – a far more positive result than any other Victorian political figure. Wilson was trusted by 7.6% of Victorians, and only 1.5% of respondents said they distrusted Wilson.

Former Premier Jacinta Allan was far more distrusted, and far less trusted, than Opposition Leader Jess Wilson.

Source: Roy Morgan Snap SMS Survey. July 20-22, 2026. Base: Victorians aged 18+, n=1,854.

Questions asked: Thinking about the upcoming Victorian state election, who do you trust? [OPEN]. Thinking about the upcoming Victorian state election, who do you distrust? [OPEN]. Weighted results.

Corruption allegations surrounding the CFMEU and Big Build key reasons for Allan’s distrust

The leading reason mentioned by those who distrusted former Premier Jacinta Allan is ‘Corruption and CFMEU/ Big Build Issues’ (45% of distrusters), just ahead of ‘Financial mismanagement’ (42%).

‘Lies and dishonesty’ were mentioned by a third (33%) of distrusters, almost a quarter said that Allan was ‘Bad for Victoria’, and 15% claimed that Allan was pursuing ‘Self-interest over public good’.

Top five reasons for distrusting Jacinta Allan

Source: Roy Morgan Snap SMS Survey. July 20-22, 2026. Base: Victorians aged 18+ who distrust Jacinta Allan (n=138) Weighted results. Respondents were allowed to provide multiple reasons for their distrust which is why the total is larger than 100%.

Roy Morgan analysis of the key themes emerging from the verbatim responses as to why Victorians distrusted former Premier Jacinta Allan:

Corruption and CFMEU / Big Build Issues (45% of respondents)

“Because she will not tell the truth about what she knows about the CFMEU nor will she order a proper inquiry into their past and present behaviour. She does not appear to be interested as to where all our money has gone because somewhere along the line she already knew and won’t disclose what and how.”

“I cannot understand or condone the level of corruption that has been allowed to grow to billions of dollars under the Labour leadership.”

“I believe she and the rest of the Labor party are corrupt. I also have a deep dislike for the trade union movement which I also believe to be corrupt.”

“For corruption, especially with the big build and state of our roads when they spend our registration on other areas.”

“ALP - not resourcing integrity bodies, big build and CFMEU corruption (premier who was ex transport minister would know).”

Financial Mismanagement (42%)

“She talks shit, doesn’t take responsibility for anything, mismanages taxpayer money, does not listen to what the people want, is absolutely the biggest disgrace to Labour. Ive always voted labour and now I just cannot as long as she is in charge.”

“Can’t manage a budget and big build corruption”

“Useless for a start. Liars. Where has the money gone?”

“Corruption and poor financial management.”

“She has done nothing but lie and put this state in more debt.”

Lies and Dishonesty (33%)

“Liars. Frauds. Support illicit tobacco.”

“She’s a fraud and a liar and also Dan Andrews puppet.”

“She is full of lies.”

“Because Jacinta Allan and the entire Labour party are liars, corrupt and money wasters.”

“Because she’s a bold-faced liar.”

Bad for Victoria (23%)

“Victoria has gone to the dogs, it’s not a nice place to live anymore.”

“Because things keep getting worse.”

“They have totally destroyed the Victorian economy.”

“They do not consider country Victoria to extend beyond Ballarat or Bendigo.”

“She has continued to destroy Victoria after Dan Andrews resigned.  She lies and wouldn’t know the truth if it was handed to her.”

Self Interest over Public Good (15% of respondents)

“She’s proven herself to be corrupt, self-serving and a liar.”

“For disregarding public interest and public opinion.”

“A constant record of untruths or spin intended to divert attention plus will not take personal responsibility.”

“Underhanded deals while in government all the while taxing Victorians like theses no tomorrow, while government get huge bonuses and pay raises.”

“Involved in paying off unions, missing millions. Jobs for the boys and starting up midterm police squads to cover her backside.”

Trust in Wilson based on leadership, honest and consistency, and distrust of Labor

The Opposition Leader Jess Wilson was substantially more trusted than distrusted.

The key reasons mentioned by Victorians who said they trusted Opposition Leader Jess Wilon were ‘Leadership’ (34% of trusters), ‘Honesty and consistency’ (30%), ‘Distrust of Labor’ (26%), ‘Personal Integrity’ (25%), and Wilson’s ‘Economic competence’ (16%).

Unusually, Wilson is currently not only the Opposition Leader, but also the Shadow Treasurer and has promised to take on the role of Victorian Treasurer if elected in November.

Top five reasons for trusting Jess Wilson

Source: Roy Morgan Snap SMS Survey. July 20-22, 2026. Base: Victorians aged 18+ who trust Jess Wilson (n=84). Weighted results. Respondents were allowed to provide multiple reasons for their distrust which is why the total is larger than 100%.

Roy Morgan analysis of the key themes emerging from the verbatims as to why Victorians trust Opposition Leader Jess Wilson.

Leadership (34% of trusters)

“Getting her hands dirty, getting out to meet and listen to the people. Trying to get the state back on track.”

“Jess is young and forthright.”

“Because I think that she is honest and full of energy to get things done!”

“She seems to be working hard and genuinely cares for Victorians.”

“She fronts the media answers questions and is working really hard e.g. visiting all the electorates. Listens to the people.”

Honesty and Consistency (30%)

“She tells the truth, Allen is a liar.”

“She seems very genuine and honest.”

“Realistic and authentic.”

“Honest, reliable, fresh start.”

“I think she’s honest and open and will admit her mistakes.”

Distrust Labor 26%

“Because they aren’t Labor or One Nation.”

“Policies, and who would trust the idiots that are running this state now?”

“Because of Labor’s lies and corruption., Wilson has policies to fix the state.”

“Because she demonstrates a higher level of ethical behaviour compared to Jacinta.”

“They will stop the rot of Labor. Encourage enterprise.”

Personal Integrity (25%)

“I recently met Jess and she came across as very genuine and honest.”

“Because she demonstrates a higher level of ethical behaviour compared to Jacinta.”

“She has given me no reason to distrust her. I think her reasons for standing are altruistic and for the good of Victoria.”

“Because she is possibly more upfront than the rest.”

“Honesty and integrity.”

Economic Competence (16%)

“They have a strong leader in Jess Wilson who communicates well how she will act to begin reducing debt.”

“She has a level of education that is appropriate for the role. I also generally prefer the Liberal party when it comes to issues such as sound economic management population growth and minimalist government intervention.”

“They are promising to fix the roads, get youth crime into control, if possible scrap the SRL. Look at the CMFEU rorts and make them accountable. Manage the budget.”

“They understand that debt cant continue to increase and will look to stop the increase in public servants to assist stabilise the current account and eventually the debt. They also want to crack down on the loose bail laws that were loosened by this Government resulting in repeated crimes.”

“I feel like Jess is going to cut back on reckless spending.”

Many respondents to these questions nominated political parties, or simply said they trust ‘no one’ or distrust ‘all of them’, rather than naming specific individuals.

Further analysis will be released in coming weeks.

To learn more call (+61) (3) 9224 5309 or email askroymorgan@roymorgan.com.

About Roy Morgan

Roy Morgan is the source of the most comprehensive data on Australians’ behaviour and attitudes, surveying over 1,000 people weekly in a continuous cycle that has been running for two decades. The company has more than 80 years’ experience collecting objective, independent information.