Lead

Ben Carroll is beginning his first full day as Victorian premier after emerging from a chaotic caucus meeting as the third Labor leader this term, just four months out from the state election, as reported by ABC Australia. The 51-year-old has promised significant reform, including a royal commission into alleged corruption and bolstering the anti-corruption watchdog's powers.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage from ABC Australia and The Guardian — World broadly aligns on the key events of Carroll's ascent, though each outlet offers distinct details about the process. ABC Australia reported that Carroll emerged from a chaotic caucus meeting as the third Labor leader this term and staked his leadership on launching a royal commission into alleged corruption on the taxpayer-funded Big Build. The Guardian — World added that Carroll became Victoria's 50th premier after 48 hours of heated confrontations and shouting matches, and that he did not openly campaign against Allan, only agreeing to stand after a cross-factional delegation of MPs told him Allan had lost the confidence of the caucus.

Both outlets reported that Carroll was elected unanimously as the new premier and that Gabrielle Williams won the vote for deputy premier. ABC Australia noted that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the outgoing premier, while The Guardian — World reported that Bill Shorten commented on the switch from Jacinta Allan to Ben Carroll.

Key Claims

  • Carroll elected unanimously: Ben Carroll was unanimously elected as Victoria's new premier after Jacinta Allan resigned, according to multiple sources. Gabrielle Williams was elected deputy premier, as reported by ABC Australia and The Guardian — World.
  • Royal commission announced: Carroll announced a royal commission into the construction sector, pledging to boost the anti-corruption watchdog's powers, as carried by both ABC Australia and The Guardian — World.
  • Heated process: The leadership change followed 48 hours of heated confrontations, as described by The Guardian — World, with ABC Australia characterizing the caucus meeting as chaotic. Carroll did not openly campaign against Allan, a claim carried by The Guardian — World, which also reported that a cross-factional delegation of MPs told him Allan had lost the confidence of the caucus.
  • Allan's resignation: Jacinta Allan resigned as premier after initially declaring she would contest a leadership ballot, as reported by ABC Australia. She said she believed she would have won but that standing aside was the right thing for Labor and Victorians.

Perspectives

Ben Carroll (new premier): In his first press conference, Carroll declared, "Let me make one thing very clear: I am not Daniel Andrews. I am not Jacinta Allan," as reported by ABC Australia. He promised to do things differently, saying, "In my government, integrity will not be optional."

Jacinta Allan (outgoing premier): Allan said she was making the decision to resign because it was the right thing by the Labor Party and the Victorian people, according to ABC Australia. She stated she believed she would have won a leadership ballot but that proceeding this close to an election would take up valuable resources.

Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister): The prime minister paid tribute to the outgoing premier, as reported by ABC Australia.

Bill Shorten: The former Labor leader commented on the switch from Jacinta Allan to Ben Carroll, according to The Guardian — World.

Gabrielle Williams (deputy premier): Williams was elected deputy premier, as reported by both outlets.