Premiership of Ben Carroll
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| Premiership of Ben Carroll 28 July 2026 – present | |
| Cabinet | Carroll |
|---|---|
| Party | Labor |
| Election | 2026 |
| Appointed by | Governor Margaret Gardner |
| Seat | 1 Treasury Place |
|
| |
| Official website | |
The premiership of Ben Carroll has been the state-level executive government of the Australian state of Victoria since 28 July 2026. Carroll, a member of the Victorian Labor Party, was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor James Angus in absence of Governor Margaret Gardner as premier of Victoria following the 2026 Victorian Labor Party leadership election and the resignation of his predecessor Jacinta Allan.[1]
A centrist[2] member of Labor's Right faction, Carroll has acted to differentiate himself from his Left predecessors Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews.[3] Since becoming premier, Carroll has reversed the position of the Allan government by announcing the creation of a Royal commission into the construction industry following allegations of corruption and violence in relation to Victoria's Big Build program.[4]
Carroll is expected to lead Victorian Labor's ticket in the 2026 Victorian state election, alongside his deputy premier Gabrielle Williams.[5]
Electoral history
Party
On 27 July 2026, Carroll, then deputy premier, was approached by a delegation of Labor members who sought for him to nominate in a leadership election against Jacinta Allan.[6] In a leadership spill the following day, Carroll was elected unopposed as Labor leader and ex officio premier after his only opponent Sonya Kilkenny dropped out of the election. He was appointed as premier of Victoria later that day, with Gabrielle Williams as deputy premier.[7]
State
Carroll will lead Victorian Labor into the 2026 state election in an attempt to win the party a fourth consecutive four-year term of government.[8]
State affairs
Royal Commission into the Construction Sector
On 28 July 2026, Carroll announced that:
- A royal commission into the construction sector would be held;
- A special prosecutor would be appointed to work in parallel with the royal commission; and
- The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission would be given 'follow the money powers'.[9]
Employment
Carroll has stated he intends to consult further with the business community and make amendments to a bill supported by his predecessor Jacinta Allan that would guarantee Victorian employees the right to work 2 days a week from home.[10]
Transport
Carroll has indicated his intention to have cabinet further scrutinise the Suburban Rail Loop.[10]
Appointments
Cabinet
On 4 August 2026, the cabinet was unveiled.[11] A ministry for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy was created, led by Anthony Carbines. The new ministry removed the ministries of Transport Infrastructure and the ministry of the Suburban Rail Loop.[11][12]
References
- ↑ "Who is Ben Carroll, Victoria's 50th premier?". ABC News. 27 July 2026. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
- ↑ Withers, Rachel (29 July 2026). "Can the bland man save Victoria? Maybe. But say goodbye to Victoria's progressive Labor government". Crikey. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
- ↑ "With a forceful declaration, Ben Carroll halted Jacinta Allan's agenda". ABC News. 28 July 2026. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
- ↑ "Ben Carroll calls a royal commission, but critics await details". ABC News. 29 July 2026. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
- ↑ "Gabrielle Williams named interim premier of Victoria". The Sydney Morning Herald. 28 July 2026. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
- ↑ Kolovos, Benita (28 July 2026). "After 48 hours of acrimony, Ben Carroll's U-turn for the ages needs to set Victoria on a new course". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
- ↑ "Jacinta Allan's resignation triggers chaotic leadership spill". ABC News. 27 July 2026. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
- ↑ Kolovos, Benita (29 July 2026). "Daniel Andrews says Ben Carroll 'can win' Victoria election in rare public statement". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
- ↑ Taylor, Josh (28 July 2026). "Royal commission into Victorian construction sector could boost Labor's chances at state election, expert says". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
- 1 2 https://www.afr.com/politics/new-victoria-premier-carroll-set-to-make-changes-to-wfh-laws-20260729-p60jjg
- 1 2 "Statement From The Premier". www.premier.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
- ↑ "Ben Carroll names ministry, adds new artificial intelligence portfolio". ABC News. 4 August 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.