Alumni profile

Hon Jacinta Allan MP was elected as the Member for Bendigo East in September 1999 at the age of 25, making her the youngest woman to ever be elected to the Victorian Parliament.

She is currently Premier of Victoria and Member for Bendigo East, and is a member of the La Trobe class of 1995. 

Throughout her 20-year career in politics, Jacinta has held the portfolios for Transport, Education Services, Employment and Youth Affairs, Regional and Rural Development, Skills and Workforce Participation, and Industry and Trade. She has also served as Shadow Minster in various areas.  

Since being elected in her hometown, Jacinta has ensured the bond between herself and La Trobe - where she holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - has remained. 

“It’s been great to continue a really strong connection with La Trobe University - with the staff, with current and former students and supporting their activities in our local community," Jacinta said. 

As a beneficiary of La Trobe's education, Jacinta is full of praise for the University's role in improving regional areas. 

“I’m a firm believer that the strength of regional centres like Bendigo is very much tied to the strength of the tertiary education that’s offered in those areas," she said. 

Jacinta believes that La Trobe had a "key role" in broadening the group of people who could access tertiary education.  

"I’m sure there are so many graduates who could say ... 'I was the first generation of my family to go to university because of the opportunities that La Trobe provided me,'" she said. 

Regional Arts, social sciences and communications

Last updated: 24th October 2023