Ben Carroll was sworn in as Victoria's new premier on Tuesday, replacing Jacinta Allan. In his first act, Carroll announced a royal commission into the construction sector, responding to allegations of organised crime infiltration into the CFMEU.
Allan's Unpopularity and the Big Build
Jacinta Allan had been premier for three years after succeeding Dan Andrews. Her tenure was marked by a continuation of Andrews' 'Big Build' infrastructure agenda, including level crossing removals, a suburban rail loop, and tunnels. However, according to commentator Jon Faine, her disapproval ratings exceeded those of federal opposition leader Peter Dutton and former prime minister Scott Morrison.
Allegations of organised crime links to the construction union, the CFMEU, became a daily focus in the Age newspaper. Allan faced pressure to call an inquiry but resisted, as a royal commission risked examining her own decisions closely tied to the Big Build.
Party Room Shift and New Leadership
As the electoral backlash became apparent, nervous backbenchers from marginal seats pushed for change. Carroll, previously deputy premier, was chosen to lead the Labor party. He faces an election in late November.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson has been in parliament for less than one term and has no ministerial experience. The Liberal-National Coalition is expected to campaign on the theme that a new leader changes little for a 12-year-old government.
The spectre of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party also looms, though it has no local leader or candidates in Victoria. Opinion polling will be closely watched to gauge the public's response.
