'I'd ask that you retract that': Jacinta Allan's angry clash with reporter

An irate Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has briefly stalled a press conference after a reporter refused to retract a claim she appeared "disinterested".

An irate Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has briefly stalled a press conference after a reporter failed to retract a claim the leader appeared "disinterested".

Speaking with media outside parliament today about allegations of corruption within Victoria's CFMEU, Allan took offense to a comment made by Channel 10 reporter Jess Maggio after she asked a question about victims of the union scandal.

Allan briefly looked to the sky as Maggio claimed alleged victims had told media they were too scared to go to Victoria Police with claims of misconduct.

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Victorian premier Jacinta Allan cracks it at press conference on February 19 2026.

"You look disinterested," Maggio said.

"Can I ask that you retract that last point," Allan retorted.

"I would ask that you retract that last comment, this is an incredibly serious matter that I am working incredibly hard on.

"For this press conference to continue I ask that you retract that last observation, I was merely considering my answer to your question."

Other reporters attempted to interject with other questions, but were quickly shut down by the premier.

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Victorian premier Jacinta Allan cracks it at press conference on February 19 2026.

"I'd ask that Jess retracts that last observation," she said.

"No, no, no because I'm not going to stand here and be accused of something I haven't done and I ask you retract that.

"It's up to you, if you don't want to do it … I'll take your silence as agreement that you have retracted your statement."

Allan then continued the presser, "in the interest of supporting [Maggio's] colleagues."

The Premier has faced intense scrutiny over the last week after bombshell claims alleged corruption on Victorian Big Build projects may have cost taxpayers up to $30 billion.

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