Key facts
- Ben Carroll has been elected as Victoria's 50th premier.
- Carroll replaced Jacinta Allan following a leadership contest.
- Former Premier Daniel Andrews publicly supported Carroll's ability to win the state election.
Donald Trump's legal team has requested a delay in his upcoming trial, citing the need to review newly discovered evidence. The request comes as the former president faces multiple legal challenges.
The change in leadership in Victoria signals a potential shift in policy direction, particularly concerning the construction sector and major infrastructure projects, as the state approaches a crucial election.
Ben Carroll has been elected as Victoria's 50th premier following a tumultuous 48-hour leadership contest that saw Jacinta Allan resign. The contest was triggered after a delegation informed Carroll that Allan had lost the confidence of the Labor caucus. In a rare public statement, former Premier Daniel Andrews endorsed Carroll, expressing confidence in his ability to win the upcoming November state election and praising Allan's service.
Andrews highlighted Carroll's campaigning skills and warned of potential service cuts if the Liberal party, with One Nation's support, were to win. Former Premier Steve Bracks suggested Carroll would present a 'fresh approach' distinct from a fourth-term Labor government. Speculation about Allan's leadership had been mounting due to polling, her perceived unpopularity, and allegations of corruption linked to the government's Big Build infrastructure project during her tenure as minister.
Carroll's first significant announcement as premier was the establishment of a royal commission into the construction sector, promising exhaustive terms of reference. He also indicated that the $34.5 billion Suburban Rail Loop project would be reviewed by cabinet and pledged to uphold existing contracts. Carroll chose a Kmart store for his press conference, referencing his past employment there.
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