Lead
Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has thrown his support behind the state's new Labor leader, Ben Carroll, saying he has what it takes to win November's state election. In a rare public statement on Wednesday, Andrews also paid tribute to Jacinta Allan, who he handpicked to replace him as premier when he resigned in September 2023.
Coverage comparison
ABC Australia's coverage focused on Carroll's challenge to convince Victorians of change, highlighting his maiden speech and his commitment to a royal commission into the construction sector. The outlet noted the chaotic nature of the Labor caucus meeting where Carroll was elected, and the potential impact of One Nation's resurgence on the election.
The Guardian's coverage emphasized Andrews's endorsement and Carroll's ability to win the November election, while also detailing the circumstances of Allan's resignation due to a loss of confidence from the caucus. Both outlets reported on the royal commission announcement and Carroll's concerns about potential cuts to services if the Liberals form government with One Nation.
Key claims
Daniel Andrews expressed confidence in Carroll, describing him as a "great campaigner who will take it up to the Liberal Party and One Nation." Andrews said, "Elections like this are won by a handful of votes in a handful of seats. I believe Premier Carroll and his team can win in November."
Jacinta Allan resigned as premier on Tuesday morning, minutes before she was set to face a planned leadership spill brought on by Carroll. According to Carroll, he agreed to stand after a cross-factional delegation of MPs told him on Monday the premier had lost the confidence of the caucus.
Carroll's first act as premier was to announce he would hold a royal commission into the entire construction sector, along with a special prosecutor to probe corruption. This move is seen as an attempt to address allegations of criminality on government building sites that dogged Allan and ultimately triggered the first knifing of a Victorian Labor premier this century.
Both Andrews and Carroll expressed concern that Victoria could face cuts to services if the Liberals form government with the help of One Nation. Andrews also paid tribute to Allan, saying she had been a "champion for Bendigo, for workers, for women, for the future of Victoria" for nearly three decades.
Another former Labor premier, Steve Bracks, said Allan had "no option" but to resign on Tuesday, and that Carroll would bring a "fresh approach." Bracks told ABC radio that Carroll would market himself as a new Labor leader with a new set of policies and programs.
In his maiden speech, Carroll drew a clear distinction from his predecessors, saying, "I am not Daniel Andrews, I am not Jacinta Allan." He acknowledged that Victorians want change and pledged to be more pro-business and tougher on crime, a pitch he aims to steer toward middle and working-class Victorians who polls show have deserted Labor.
Perspectives
Daniel Andrews (former premier, endorsing Carroll): Andrews backed Carroll's ability to win the November election, praised Allan's legacy, and warned that a Liberal government supported by One Nation could lead to service cuts.
Ben Carroll (new premier, announcing agenda): Carroll positioned himself as a change agent, committing to a royal commission into the construction sector and a special prosecutor to probe corruption, while pledging to be tougher on crime and more pro-business.
Jacinta Allan (former premier, resigning): According to Carroll, Allan lost the confidence of the caucus, leading to her resignation; Andrews and Bracks both said she had no option but to resign.
Steve Bracks (former premier, commenting on transition): Bracks said Allan had no option but to resign and that Carroll would bring a "fresh approach," framing Carroll as a new leader rather than a fourth-term Labor leader.