澳大利亚维多利亚州前州长杰琴塔·艾伦宣布，将不会在11月的州选举中再次参选本迪戈东选区[1]。艾伦代表该选区近27年，从1999年起担任该选区议员[1]。她曾出任维州州长，但任期不足3年后已辞职[1]。
艾伦的退出为国民党候选人安德鲁·莱斯林扫清了障碍[1]。莱斯林在2025年联邦选举中以超过10%的摇摆率竞争邦迪戈联邦席位[1]，有望赢得这个曾被视为工党安全席位的本迪戈东选区[1]。工党已为继任候选人准备了200,000澳元的竞选经费[1]。维州新州长本·卡罗尔表示将继续艾伦的工作与遗产[1]。
本迪戈东选区近年人口增长48%，但袭击、家庭暴力和性犯罪等问题成为当地的主要关切[1]。
Jacinta Allan, the former Premier of Victoria, has announced she will not contest the Bendigo East seat in November's state election, marking her exit from parliament after nearly 27 years representing the constituency [1]. Allan, who served as Premier for less than three years before stepping down, confirmed her decision to stand aside from the race [1].
The retirement clears the way for Andrew Lethlean, the Nationals' candidate, to potentially capture Bendigo East—a seat long considered a safe Labor stronghold [1]. Lethlean previously competed in the federal Bendigo seat during the 2025 federal election, achieving a swing of more than 10 percent [1]. To support the succession effort, the Labor Party has allocated $200,000 in campaign funding for its next candidate in the division [1].
The constituency has experienced significant demographic and social challenges in recent years [1]. Bendigo East's population has grown 48 percent, while crime issues—particularly assault, domestic violence, and sexual offences—have become pressing concerns for residents [1]. Incoming Premier Ben Carroll stated his commitment to continuing the work and legacy left by Allan [1].