Can Ben Carroll turn around Labor's fortunes in Victoria? | 7.30

ABC News In-depth

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Video Summary

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen resigned following a leadership challenge from her deputy, Ben Carroll, who was subsequently unanimously endorsed by the Labor caucus as the new Premier. The transition occurred amid concerns regarding the party's electoral prospects and public dissatisfaction with the previous administration's handling of construction industry corruption allegations.

In his inaugural address, Premier Carroll signaled a departure from the policies of his predecessors, Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allen. His first official act was to announce a Royal Commission into the construction sector, alongside the appointment of a special prosecutor and expanded powers for the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).

Short Highlights

Jacinta Allen resigned as Premier of Victoria following a leadership challenge.
Ben Carroll was unanimously elected as the new Premier by the Labor caucus.
The new government announced a Royal Commission into the construction sector.
Premier Carroll emphasized a break from the previous leadership's policies.

Key Details

Leadership Transition [00:00:15]

Jacinta Allen resigned as Premier after facing a leadership challenge from Deputy Premier Ben Carroll.
The caucus meeting was marked by internal tension and reports of a brief, withdrawn candidacy by Attorney General Sonia Kilkenny.
I have made the difficult decision to step aside as leader of the Victorian State Parliamentary Labor Party and as Premier of Victoria.

New Leadership Agenda [00:03:15]

Ben Carroll was unanimously endorsed as the new Premier of Victoria, with Gabrielle Williams appointed as Deputy Premier.
Carroll explicitly distanced himself from the legacies of his predecessors, Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allen.
Let me make one thing very clear. I am not Daniel Andrews. I am not Jacinta Allen.

Construction Sector Reform [00:05:30]

Premier Carroll announced an immediate Royal Commission into the construction industry to address corruption concerns.
The government plans to appoint a special prosecutor and grant increased investigative powers to IBAC.
My first action as Premier will be to call a Royal Commission into the construction sector.

Political Outlook [00:07:45]

Bill Shorten noted that the leadership change aims to make the Labor Party more competitive ahead of the upcoming state election.
Analysts suggest the shift in leadership presents a new challenge for the Coalition and One Nation parties.
I think he can move them from the low 20s to at least into the mid-30s.