Ben Carroll has been sworn in as the new Victorian premier after a chaotic caucus meeting, vowing to 'do things differently' and immediately calling for a royal commission into the construction sector. The former education minister replaces Jacinta Allan, who resigned amid plunging poll numbers and a looming state election.
Leadership Spill and Fallout
The Labor party's internal turmoil reached a peak on Tuesday when Jacinta Allan stepped down following months of struggling against a rising One Nation threat. In a surprise move, Ben Carroll emerged as the consensus candidate, winning the caucus vote. His first official act—a demand for a royal commission into the construction industry—signals a sharp pivot in policy direction.
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Political analysts note that Carroll's background in education and his moderate factional ties may help rebuild voter confidence. However, with the election due by November, the new premier faces an uphill battle to reverse the government's declining popularity.
Key Changes Under Ben Carroll
- Immediate push for a royal commission targeting corruption and safety in construction.
- Revamped housing and infrastructure agenda to address cost-of-living pressures.
- Renewed focus on union relations after ACTU leadership shakeup.
Comparison of Recent Victorian Premiers
| Premier | Tenure | Key Policy Focus | Poll Performance at Exit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacinta Allan | 2023–2025 | Housing, renewable energy | Falling behind One Nation |
| Ben Carroll | 2025–present | Construction royal commission, education reform | Early, but narrow lead over Coalition |
Reactions and Implications
Penny Wong, the foreign affairs minister, ruled out extending the fuel excise cut, adding to economic pressures. Meanwhile, the resignation of ACTU leaders has created a vacuum in union leadership that Carroll must navigate. Cheek media co-founder Hannah Ferguson also announced she will challenge Prime Minister Albanese in Grayndler, further complicating the federal political landscape.
On the state level, Jess Wilson confirmed that Moira Deeming has quit the Liberal party, weakening the opposition. The CSIRO's confirmation of H5 bird flu in Victorian seabirds adds a health dimension to the new premier's in-tray.
FAQ
Why did Jacinta Allan resign as Victorian premier?
Jacinta Allan resigned amid a leadership spill after months of poor polling and difficulty countering the rise of One Nation ahead of the November 2025 state election. The Labor caucus voted for a new leader.
What is Ben Carroll's first major policy as premier?
Ben Carroll's first order of business was to call for a royal commission into the construction sector, citing concerns over corruption, safety standards, and worker exploitation.
How does the ACTU leadership change affect Victoria?
The surprise departures of the ACTU secretary and president create a leadership vacuum. As a pro-union Labor premier, Carroll will need to establish strong ties with new union leaders to secure industrial support.
Ben Carroll's promise to 'do things differently' will be tested immediately. With a royal commission on the horizon, union realignments, and a tight election calendar, Victoria's political landscape is set for a dramatic transformation. Stay tuned for live updates as the situation develops.
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