Ben Carroll has become Victoria's 50th premier after a dramatic 48-hour leadership crisis that saw Jacinta Allan resign under pressure. Carroll, who had previously pledged loyalty to Allan, agreed to stand after a cross-factional delegation of MPs told him Allan had lost the confidence of the caucus. The new premier now faces the challenge of convincing voters that his government will not simply continue Allan's policies.
Leadership challenge unfolds
Carroll did not openly campaign against Allan. He only agreed to nominate after a delegation approached him, having already informed Allan they wanted change. Initially, Allan refused to concede, publicly declaring she would fight for the leadership and formally nominating herself with the party's state secretary. However, by Tuesday morning, with numbers decisively against her, she resigned, saying standing aside was "the right thing" for Labor and Victorians because she was a "team player".
The path to Carroll's election was not smooth. Attorney general Sonya Kilkenny, a close Allan ally, unexpectedly nominated for the leadership, triggering a second confrontation. Raised voices from inside the caucus meeting could be heard from parliament's hallways. Allan was among the 15 MPs who signed Kilkenny's nomination papers, contradicting her earlier comments about avoiding a prolonged contest. Steve Dimopoulos also challenged Carroll's preferred deputy, Gabrielle Williams.
Unity and concessions
One MP described the moves as Allan trying to "blow up the joint on her way out", but it was more likely an attempt by her supporters to extract concessions from the incoming leader. Another source said Carroll had assured prior to the meeting that no MPs would "lose out" under his leadership. Ultimately, five minutes before the caucus meeting concluded, Kilkenny withdrew her nomination. Carroll was elected unanimously, and Williams won the deputy vote.
One MP said they did not expect Carroll to respond with "recriminations" as it was "too risky for everyone" seeking unity months out from an election. Another Labor source said if Carroll gave Allan supporters "a stake in the success" of the government, it would stop them from "becoming angry and isolated".
New course and challenges
Carroll's main challenge is to convince voters that while he inherits Allan's government, he will not simply continue it. This was the mistake Allan made when taking over from Daniel Andrews. Carroll has taken a first step by announcing a royal commission into the construction sector "as soon as possible" and immediately boosting the anti-corruption watchdog's powers. The move is designed to confront Labor's most politically damaging issue, a step Allan had refused to take. However, a royal commission running during an election campaign is almost certain to generate damaging headlines, though Allan and Andrews are more likely to bear the brunt.
Carroll has also sought to project fiscal restraint, given Labor's debt is forecast to reach almost $200bn in coming years. He said his first job at his local Kmart taught him the "value of a dollar". "That's why I understand why Victorians are concerned about government spending. Every dollar my government spends will be treated with respect," he said.
Business relations and Suburban Rail Loop
Carroll flagged plans to mend the relationship with the business community, who will be watching closely to see if he maintains Allan's flagship legislation protecting the right to work from home two days a week. His supporters say tax concessions are more likely. Questions also remain over the future of the $34.5bn Suburban Rail Loop. Carroll, whose northern suburbs electorate does not directly benefit from the eastern section currently under way and who is understood to have privately questioned the project, has promised "more announcements" on its future. One option being canvassed is bringing forward plans for the western section between Werribee and Melbourne airport, though it's unclear how this reconciles with Carroll's plan for fiscal responsibility.
On Tuesday afternoon, MPs said they felt sad, hopeful, "gross" and like they had "[woken] up from a bad dream". But all agreed the hard work was just beginning.
