Ben Carroll has become Victoria's new premier, marking a swift rise from a relatively junior minister to the state's top political office. The 51-year-old Labor MP for Niddrie took over after Jacinta Allan stepped down, just four months before the state election.
Who is Ben Carroll?
Carroll was elected to the Victorian parliament in 2012 representing the western Melbourne electorate of Niddrie, where he grew up and still lives with his wife Fiona and daughter Madeliene. His first job was at Kmart in his home suburb, where he joined the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), introducing him to unionism.
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His political journey began in 1996 when a tour of Canberra arranged by then-federal MP Simon Crean allowed him to shake hands with US President Bill Clinton. He joined the Niddrie Labor branch that same year.
How did Carroll become premier?
In 2023, when then-public transport minister Ben Carroll made a surprising bid for the leadership after Daniel Andrews resigned, he secured the deputy role under Jacinta Allan. Despite being from Labor's diminished right faction, he refused to fall into line, provoking an expletive-laden outburst from Andrews but ultimately getting the job. Less than three years later, after Allan resigned on Tuesday morning giving him her 'unqualified support', Carroll became premier.
Key milestones in his career
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Joined Niddrie Labor branch |
| 2012 | Elected MP for Niddrie |
| 2023 | Became deputy premier after standoff |
| 2025 | Became premier after Allan resignation |
What does this mean for Victoria?
Carroll faces a state election in just four months. His leadership will test whether Labor can retain power amid internal factional tensions and a public eager for stability. He has held 14 portfolios in six years, including public transport, roads, and police.
The new premier has stated he is 'always looking to increase my contribution' to the Labor government. His union background and experience in multiple ministries may help him connect with working-class voters.
Key takeaways
- Ben Carroll is Victoria's new premier after Jacinta Allan stepped down
- He rose from a junior minister to the top job in less than three years
- His political career started with a handshake with Bill Clinton in 1996
- He has held 14 portfolios in six years
- The state election is just four months away
FAQ
Who is Ben Carroll?
Ben Carroll is a Victorian Labor politician who became premier in 2025 after Jacinta Allan resigned. He has been the MP for Niddrie since 2012 and previously served as deputy premier and public transport minister.
How did Ben Carroll become premier?
After Jacinta Allan stepped down, Carroll had her 'unqualified support' and was elected unopposed by the Labor caucus. He had previously secured the deputy role in 2023 by refusing to back down during a leadership standoff.
What are Ben Carroll's political affiliations?
Carroll is a member of the Victorian Labor party, originally from its diminished right faction. He is also a former member of the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA).
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