Allan's Labor Faces Tough Road to Election

0:00It's March 25th. This is Sydney News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen is staring down a tough road to the 2026 election after 11 years of labor rule. The state already carries record debt from past spending and now rising interest rates have added about $2,400 a year to the average mortgage. Inflation is climbing past 5% this quarter, the highest since her predecessor left office. Global tensions are piling on the pain, with the Iran conflict sparking fuel shortages like nothing seen since past oil crises. Motorists are paying over $150 to fill up, and hundreds of stations have run dry on petrol or diesel. Officials blame panic buying, but empty tanks hit hard regardless. Locals are feeling the squeeze, from higher living costs to teachers marching in the streets over low pay amid budget strains. In politics, Pauline Hansen's one nation made big gains in South Australia's recent vote, shaking up seats that could split votes here too.

1:04Thredden Labor is hold. The good news for Allen is the lack of any real challenge from within her party. No key rivals like the Deputy Premier or Transport Minister are stepping up, leaving whispers of a leadership spill with zero momentum. In a world of economic shocks and uncertainty, that's the ability might just be Labor's strongest card as voters weigh their options, come election time.