Premier Ben Carroll Launches Integrity Reforms in Victoria

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll is implementing a series of integrity reforms to restore public trust following scandals associated with former premiers Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan. As part of these measures, Carroll announced a royal commission into the construction industry to investigate alleged corruption within the $100bn Big Build program and promised expanded powers for the state's anti-corruption watchdog.

Carroll specifically criticized a 2016 deal between the Andrews government and the United Firefighters Union, which he described as a "failure of cabinet government." This criticism follows a report from the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission regarding the controversial pay deal.

Beyond integrity reforms, Carroll outlined several policy priorities, including the establishment of a train line to Melbourne's airport and continued investment in education and housing to address crime. He committed to maintaining the state's treaty with First Nations people and advancing the transition to renewable energy through the state's first offshore wind industry auction. Additionally, Carroll expressed openness to decriminalizing small amounts of cannabis for personal use, though he remains opposed to full legalization.