The one thing Jacinta Allan left out of her farewell speech is Carroll’s first priority

The sudden leadership change in Victoria’s Labor Party has brought to the forefront a pressing issue: corruption within the state government’s infrastructure projects. New Premier Ben Carroll’s vow to establish a royal commission into the Big Build scandal marks a significant shift in tone, but it remains to be seen whether this move will address the underlying issues.

Outgoing Premier Jacinta Allan’s decision not to mention the revelations of corruption in her farewell speech is telling. By highlighting the completed infrastructure projects as successes instead, she suggested that there was a deeper issue within the party. The omission raises questions about how much Allan knew about the scandal and whether her government’s actions were truly aimed at addressing the issues.

Carroll’s decision to establish a royal commission highlights the divisions within the Labor Party on this issue. Several ministers had pressed for such an inquiry during a tense cabinet meeting, and even Allan’s colleagues had publicly called for a royal commission. The fact that Carroll was chosen by his caucus colleagues as the new leader after a last-minute challenge suggests that there is a growing sentiment among party members to address the corruption.

The Big Build scandal has been marred by revelations of inflated costs, delayed construction, and the employment of criminals on government projects. Allan’s government had knowledge of these issues for years but chose not to act, raising questions about accountability within the party. Carroll’s promise to deliver a new direction on integrity, community safety, and the economy is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into tangible action.

The royal commission will shed more light on the extent of corruption within Big Build projects. However, it also raises questions about the role of unions, particularly the CFMEU, in perpetuating these issues. Carroll has pledged to strengthen IBAC and give them follow-the-money powers, suggesting a commitment to addressing the underlying causes of corruption.

The leadership struggle within Victoria’s Labor Party reflects broader concerns about accountability and transparency within government. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted, “politics can be a very tough business,” but it is precisely this kind of leadership that is needed to address the deep-seated issues plaguing the state.

As the royal commission gets underway, Victorians will be watching closely to see whether Carroll’s government will follow through on its promises. The stakes are high, not just for the party but also for the people of Victoria who have been affected by the Big Build scandal. It remains to be seen whether this new direction will bring about meaningful change.

The road ahead will not be easy, and many questions still need to be answered. However, what is certain is that Carroll’s government has a unique opportunity to break with the past and usher in a new era of accountability and transparency. The stakes are high, but so too are the rewards: if Carroll can deliver on his promises, it could mark a turning point for Victoria’s Labor Party and a significant step forward for the state as a whole.

The fate of the Big Build scandal will be decided not just by the outcome of the royal commission but also by the actions of Carroll’s government in the coming weeks and months. As Victorians watch with bated breath, one thing is clear: this story has only just begun to unfold, and it will be fascinating to see how it develops.

The leadership change within Victoria’s Labor Party raises more questions than answers about the extent of corruption within Big Build projects. However, as Carroll’s government embarks on its new journey, there are many who believe that this could mark a significant turning point for the state. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: this story will not be easily forgotten.

As the spotlight shines brightly on Victoria’s Labor Party, it remains to be seen whether Carroll’s government can break with the past and usher in a new era of accountability and transparency. But what is certain is that the stakes are high, and the rewards could be significant if Carroll can deliver on his promises.