Victoria Premier Ben Carroll has offered his most personal reflections yet on the dramatic leadership change that elevated him to the state’s highest office, describing an awkward final conversation with former premier Jacinta Allan while crediting his wife, Fiona, as the person he trusts above everyone else.
In his first major sit-down interview since replacing Jacinta Allan as Premier, Carroll sought to present himself as a leader focused on humility, family and rebuilding public confidence ahead of Victoria’s state election later this year. Rather than portraying himself as a dramatically different figure after taking office, Carroll insisted that despite the title, he remains “still just Ben.”
The interview comes only days after one of the most significant leadership upheavals in Victorian Labor politics in more than two decades, with Allan stepping aside following mounting pressure from within the parliamentary party and Carroll emerging as the consensus choice to lead Labor into the election.
A difficult conversation with Jacinta Allan
Carroll acknowledged that speaking with his predecessor after the leadership challenge was one of the most uncomfortable moments of his political career.
While he has avoided publicly criticising Allan, Carroll admitted the circumstances surrounding the transition were difficult for everyone involved. He has repeatedly emphasised that his decision to seek the leadership reflected what he believed was necessary for the government and the Labor Party rather than a personal dispute with the former premier.
The leadership change followed growing concern within Labor ranks over polling, government performance and the party’s electoral prospects. After intense internal discussions, Allan resigned and Carroll was elected as Victoria’s 50th Premier.
‘My number one adviser’
Among the most personal moments of the interview was Carroll’s description of his wife, Fiona, as his “number one adviser.”
He said she provides honest advice away from the political spotlight and helps keep him grounded despite the pressures that accompany the state’s highest office.
According to Carroll, Fiona has become an indispensable source of perspective, balancing political realities with family life as the couple prepare for what is expected to be one of Victoria’s toughest election campaigns in recent history. She is expected to play an active supporting role during the campaign while continuing to prioritise family life with their daughter.
Carroll suggested that maintaining strong family relationships would help him remain connected with everyday Victorians, arguing that political leadership should not come at the expense of personal values.
Presenting a different style of leadership
Since becoming Premier, Carroll has worked to distinguish himself from both Jacinta Allan and former premier Daniel Andrews.
He has repeatedly argued that his government will focus on integrity, fiscal discipline and restoring confidence in government after a period marked by concerns over rising state debt, infrastructure cost overruns and declining public trust.
One of his earliest and most significant announcements was the establishment of a royal commission into alleged corruption within Victoria’s construction sector, a move he has described as central to rebuilding confidence in public administration.
Carroll has also reshaped his ministry and recruited senior economic advisers as part of a broader effort to demonstrate that his government intends to pursue tighter financial management while maintaining investment in essential public services.
A difficult electoral challenge
The Premier assumes office at a challenging moment for Victorian Labor.
The party has governed the state for most of the past three decades but now faces mounting electoral pressure following years of cost-of-living concerns, debates over government debt and increasing support for opposition parties.
Recent polling suggests the Coalition continues to lead Labor on a two-party preferred basis, although Carroll’s appointment has slightly improved Labor’s standing compared with the final weeks of Allan’s leadership. Most voters remain aware of the leadership change, but many say it has not fundamentally altered their voting intentions.
Carroll nevertheless argues that the election presents an opportunity to demonstrate that his government represents a fresh start rather than simply a continuation of previous administrations.
Balancing renewal with continuity
Although Carroll has promised to “do things differently”, he has also acknowledged the achievements of previous Labor governments and rejected suggestions that everything implemented under his predecessors should be discarded.
Instead, he has sought to balance renewal with continuity, maintaining support for key public services while signalling greater scrutiny of major infrastructure spending and stronger accountability measures.
Political analysts note that Carroll has only a limited period before Victorians head to the polls, leaving little time to reshape public perceptions of the government. His leadership therefore places considerable emphasis on personal credibility, integrity and presenting a more approachable style than many voters associated with previous administrations.
Looking ahead
For Carroll, the coming months will determine whether Labor can secure a fourth consecutive term in government or whether voters decide it is time for change.
His first extended interview as Premier suggests he intends to campaign not only on policy reforms but also on character, portraying himself as a pragmatic and family-oriented leader who remains grounded despite assuming one of Australia’s most demanding political roles.
By describing Fiona as his “number one adviser” and insisting that he remains “still just Ben”, Carroll appears to be sending a broader message about the leadership style he hopes will resonate with Victorian voters as the state election campaign intensifies. Whether that personal approach translates into electoral success will become clearer as the campaign unfolds over the coming months.
