New Victorian premier Ben Carroll has acknowledged that scandals, including Daniel Andrews' dealings with a powerful union, have eroded public trust in government. In a wide-ranging interview, Carroll expressed openness to decriminalizing cannabis, reaffirmed commitment to the First Nations treaty, and emphasized evidence-based, not ideological, governance.
Integrity at the Forefront
Carroll, who has been described as a centrist and 'Kmart Keating' by Bill Shorten, has moved swiftly to distance himself from his predecessors. He announced a royal commission into the construction industry, promised stronger powers for the anti-corruption watchdog, and overhauled the cabinet, scrapping dedicated infrastructure portfolios.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission's report into the Andrews government's dealings with the United Firefighters Union found 'serious and concerning' conduct, including an 'undisclosed' 2016 deal struck over champagne in a Melbourne hotel room without the knowledge of the responsible minister, Jane Garrett. Carroll called this 'a failure of cabinet government' and said it 'grates' with him.
Royal Commission and Big Build
Carroll plans to announce terms of reference for the royal commission into the construction industry next week, examining contractors, unions, and government after allegations of corruption on the $100bn Big Build program, which has cost taxpayers up to $15bn. While he does not believe officials knew about the alleged corruption, he insists reforms have improved oversight.
His top infrastructure priority remains the airport rail link, which he says 'has been around for 100 years' and is well-understood by the public, unlike the Suburban Rail Loop, which he flagged for potential review.
Social Progress and Treaty
Carroll, the first Labor right leader since John Brumby, rejects claims of an ideological shift, describing himself as 'financially responsible, socially progressive.' He strongly supports the First Nations treaty, calling it 'giving our First Nations people their respected place in our story.'
On cannabis, Carroll is open to discussing decriminalization, noting disproportionate impacts on First Nations people and youth, but he does not support full legalization, citing concerns about amenity in areas where it's legal.
Crime Prevention and Community
Carroll emphasizes tackling root causes of crime, citing visits to the Harlem Children's Zone and Scotland's Violence Reduction Unit. He supports tougher bail laws but stresses the 'silver bullet' is investing in education, after-school programs, housing, and jobs, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
Following the death of Van Viet Truong in Sunshine, Carroll met with traders and committed to improving environmental design to reduce antisocial behavior, and has spoken to police about increasing visibility.
Environment and Energy
Carroll wants to do 'more on the environment,' including protecting parks and improving tree canopy in western suburbs, while maintaining Victoria's first offshore wind auction will proceed as planned, saying 'I know how important it is to our state's future.'
