Ben Carroll announces royal commission into construction sector in first act as new Victorian premier
News Source
β’Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:12:07 GMT
π° What Happened
Ben Carroll was sworn in as Victoria's premier after Jacinta Allan resigned following a tumultuous 48 hours for Labor. In his first act, Carroll announced a royal commission into alleged corruption in the construction sector, including on Big Build projects. He also announced a special prosecutor and 'follow-the-dollar' powers for the anti-corruption watchdog.
The leadership change came just four months before the November state election. Carroll said 'circumstances had changed' since he told Allan he would not challenge her. He was approached by a delegation of Labor MPs who told him the party needed a change.
π The Backstory
Jacinta Allan became premier in 2023 when Daniel Andrews retired, but she struggled to establish her own identity. Her government faced sustained pressure over alleged corruption on Big Build infrastructure projects, including cost blowouts and questionable contracting.
Carroll had been Allan's deputy. His quick move to announce a royal commission signals an attempt to reset the government's agenda and distance himself from Allan's unpopularity. The commission will investigate how taxpayer funds were used on major projects, potentially hearing evidence during the election campaign.
π― Why It Matters
Victoria's new premier is promising a clean start months before the election. Voters may finally get answers about whether their tax dollars were wasted on big infrastructure projects.
Ben Carroll was sworn in as Victoria's premier after Jacinta Allan resigned following a tumultuous 48 hours for Labor. In his first act, Carroll announced a royal commission into alleged corruption in the construction sector, including on Big Build projects. He also announced a special prosecutor and 'follow-the-dollar' powers for the anti-corruption watchdog.
The leadership change came just four months before the November state election. Carroll said 'circumstances had changed' since he told Allan he would not challenge her. He was approached by a delegation of Labor MPs who told him the party needed a change.
Jacinta Allan became premier in 2023 when Daniel Andrews retired, but she struggled to establish her own identity. Her government faced sustained pressure over alleged corruption on Big Build infrastructure projects, including cost blowouts and questionable contracting.
Carroll had been Allan's deputy. His quick move to announce a royal commission signals an attempt to reset the government's agenda and distance himself from Allan's unpopularity. The commission will investigate how taxpayer funds were used on major projects, potentially hearing evidence during the election campaign.
Victoria's new premier is promising a clean start months before the election. Voters may finally get answers about whether their tax dollars were wasted on big infrastructure projects.