Daniel Andrews Backs New Premier Ben Carroll to Win November Election

Daniel Andrews has publicly supported new Victorian Premier Ben Carroll, expressing confidence in his ability to win the upcoming November election. This endorsement comes after Jacinta Allan's resignation as Premier and Labor leader, prompted by a planned leadership spill due to lost caucus confidence.

Carroll's immediate actions include introducing legislation to abolish group voting tickets (GVTs), a system facilitating backroom deals and enabling candidates to win with minimal primary votes. He also announced a royal commission into the construction sector, addressing allegations of corruption during Allan's tenure as minister overseeing the government's Big Build infrastructure projects.

The royal commission's terms of reference, currently under development, aim to be exhaustive, covering top-tier contractors, subcontractors, labor hire firms, government, and unions. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson criticized the potential for these terms to be a 'cover-up,' particularly regarding links between the Labor Party and the union movement.

Carroll chose a Kmart store for his press conference, referencing his past employment there. He assured that the Suburban Rail Loop project, a key initiative of his predecessors, would be discussed by cabinet, though its future remains uncertain.

Andrews praised Allan's dedication to Labor values and welcomed Carroll as a 'great campaigner' capable of competing against the Liberal Party and One Nation. Andrews warned of potential service cuts if the Liberals form government with One Nation's support.

Former Premier Steve Bracks noted Allan's resignation was unavoidable and anticipated Carroll would present a 'fresh approach' as a new leader with potentially new policies.