Arabic version: كارول يضع أجندة جديدة قبل انتخابات فيكتوريا

According to ABC News, Ben Carroll has become Victorian premier with less than four months before the state election, promising to distinguish his leadership from those of Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan. In his first address, Carroll said: “I am not Daniel Andrews, I am not Jacinta Allan.”

Carroll has put integrity at the centre of his agenda, committing to a royal commission into the construction sector and a special prosecutor to investigate corruption. The measures respond to allegations of criminality on government building sites that weighed on Allan’s government.

The new premier is also pledging to be more pro-business and tougher on crime, seeking to reconnect with middle and working-class communities that polling indicates have moved away from Labor. Former premier Steve Bracks said Carroll’s integrity commitments could give him “clear air” to advance his own agenda.

Questions remain over the $34.5 billion Suburban Rail Loop, Allan’s signature project. Carroll said at his first press conference that he had no announcements to make on the project. Victoria has only three more sitting weeks before voters head to the polls in November.

Carroll must also rebuild trust after Labor’s first hostile leadership takeover since 1999. The leadership ballot followed Allan’s resignation and reports of turmoil within caucus. ABC News said the change could allow Labor to re-enter the electoral discussion, while the party works to limit losses at the election.