Ben Carroll was unanimously elected Victorian Labor leader on Tuesday and sworn in as the state’s 50th premier, hours after Jacinta Allan resigned ahead of an expected caucus spill.

Allan announced her decision at 9:30am AEST, half an hour before the spill motion was due. “I am making this decision because it is the right thing by the Labor Party and the Victorian people,” she told reporters. Allan became Victoria’s second female premier on 27 September 2023, succeeding Daniel Andrews. She later claimed she would have won a ballot against Carroll but stepped aside to spare Labor a damaging contest, Neos Kosmos reported.

Carroll, 51 and the MP for Niddrie, was endorsed unopposed after Attorney-General and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny withdrew her nomination. Gabrielle Williams won the deputy leadership ballot over Steve Dimopoulos. The New Daily reported Kilkenny pulled out to avoid triggering a lengthy rank-and-file vote that would have drawn out the contest.

Carroll’s first press appearance as premier included a significant announcement: a royal commission into allegations, as described by the incoming government, tied to Victoria’s “Big Build” infrastructure program. That pipeline of major transport and construction projects has underpinned work volumes for Victorian tradies for years. What the commission finds, and whether it reshapes procurement and contracting rules on government jobs, will be watched closely across the industry. Academic analysis from Monash University, published by The Conversation, also flags a teachers’ pay dispute and cost-of-living pressures among Carroll’s most immediate challenges.

Allan’s resignation drew comment on the sexism she faced during her tenure. Former prime minister Julia Gillard posted on Instagram that Allan “has been subjected to vile sexism” as the second woman to lead the state. Gillard pointed to a June 2026 incident in which a mobile billboard truck bearing the “Ditch the Witch” slogan, alongside an edited image of Allan in a witch’s hat, drove through Melbourne’s CBD. The same slogan was used against Gillard at an anti-carbon tax rally in 2011. Women’s Agenda reported the billboard reflected a broader pattern of targeted sexism, not a one-off event. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the billboard campaign “a disgrace” at the time.

Carroll has about four months to establish his leadership before the Victorian state election scheduled for November 2026. For construction businesses and subcontractors, the immediate question is what direction the new premier takes on the Big Build, and whether the royal commission changes how major government contracts are let and managed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Big Build royal commission about?

Carroll announced the royal commission into allegations, as described by the incoming government, tied to Victoria’s Big Build infrastructure program. The commission’s findings could reshape procurement and contracting rules on major government construction jobs.

When is the next Victorian state election?

The Victorian state election is scheduled for November 2026, giving Carroll about four months to establish his leadership before voters go to the polls.

Who is the new Victorian deputy premier?

Gabrielle Williams won the Victorian Labor deputy leadership ballot on 28 July 2026, defeating Steve Dimopoulos.

Sourced from The Guardian Australia, The New Daily, Neos Kosmos, The Conversation, Women’s Agenda. Original article.