Arabic version: بن كارول يتولى قيادة حزب العمال في فيكتوريا

According to ABC News, Ben Carroll emerged as Victoria’s new premier after a Labor caucus meeting on Tuesday marked by factional conflict and repeated voting problems. Jacinta Allan had announced her resignation as premier that morning, and about 70 Labor MPs left the caucus room nearly two hours later with Mr Carroll elected leader.

The caucus had to vote three times to avoid a prolonged leadership contest: once on the voices and twice by a show of hands after numbers were not correctly tallied. Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, a loyalist of Ms Allan, had nominated for the leadership despite Ms Allan previously saying Mr Carroll would have her support if he became premier.

Ms Kilkenny withdrew her candidacy at 11.55am, five minutes before parliament was due to begin. Labor sources told ABC News that her withdrawal followed reassurances that she would retain her portfolios, Tim Richardson would enter cabinet, there would be no bloodletting and Mr Carroll’s leadership would receive unanimous support. Gabrielle Williams was elected deputy after a contest involving Steve Dimopoulos.

Mr Carroll immediately announced a royal commission into alleged corruption in the construction sector and asked his department secretary to begin work on exhaustive terms of reference. He also said the government would strengthen the anti-corruption watchdog during this term and pursue stronger law-and-order reforms.

By Wednesday, legislation had been introduced to create workplace protection orders targeting abuse and violence against retail and hospitality workers. Mr Carroll said he would not cancel any Suburban Rail Loop contracts, while describing himself as a strong supporter of the delayed Airport Rail. Ministers and MPs characterised the leadership change as a new start and a new chapter for the Labor government.