Victoria’s new Premier, Ben Carroll, has faced his first major parliamentary test after taking office, with Opposition Leader Jess Wilson questioning his political credibility while public criticism mounted over his role in the previous Labor governments.

Carroll entered his first Question Time under intense scrutiny following the dramatic leadership change that saw him replace Jacinta Allan as Victoria’s 50th Premier.

The parliamentary session quickly turned to events from only weeks earlier, when Carroll had publicly pledged his loyalty to Allan during speculation about Labor’s leadership.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson challenged the Premier over comments he made before the leadership spill, asking why Victorians should trust his assurances after he had previously insisted he would not seek to replace Allan.

The exchange centred on a widely reported press conference in which Carroll declared his support for the then Premier.

“I’ve got a young daughter at home and I couldn’t be more proud to make sure she grows up knowing I supported Jacinta Allan,” Carroll said at the time.

Wilson argued those remarks contrasted sharply with the events that followed, as Allan was removed and Carroll emerged as Labor leader only weeks later. The Opposition said the episode raised broader questions about trust and accountability within the government.

The pressure on Carroll has not been confined to Parliament.

Businesswoman and media personality Bec Judd also criticised the new Premier after he sought to distance himself from his predecessors.

Responding to Carroll’s statement that “I am not Daniel Andrews. I am not Jacinta Allan“, Judd argued he nevertheless remained part of the governments responsible for what she described as Victoria’s decline.

Her comments reflected criticism from some opponents who argue Carroll cannot easily separate himself from Labor’s record after serving as a senior minister under both Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan.

Since becoming Premier, Carroll has attempted to present himself as the beginning of a new chapter for Victoria.

Within hours of being sworn in, he announced plans to establish a royal commission into alleged corruption within the state’s construction industry, marking one of the clearest policy departures from the Allan Government.

The proposed inquiry follows months of allegations surrounding criminal infiltration of parts of the construction sector and criticism of how previous governments handled those concerns.

Carroll has described the royal commission as his highest immediate priority, saying it is essential to restore public confidence in government and the integrity of Victoria’s major infrastructure projects.

The Premier has also indicated he would willingly appear before the commission if requested.

He has said decisions about witnesses—including whether former premiers Daniel Andrews or Jacinta Allan should be called—should ultimately be determined by the commissioner and the inquiry’s terms of reference rather than politicians.

“Everyone should be questioned that the royal commission believes had a role,” Carroll told reporters after announcing the proposal.

While Carroll argues the inquiry demonstrates his commitment to accountability, the Coalition insists much broader scrutiny will be required.

Jess Wilson has written to the Premier outlining conditions under which the Opposition would support the royal commission.

Among her requests are broad terms of reference covering all government-funded construction projects, examination of all relevant unions rather than only the CFMEU, and public hearings involving current and former premiers, ministers and senior public servants.

Wilson argues the inquiry should investigate not only alleged criminal conduct but also the political decision-making processes surrounding Victoria’s multibillion-dollar infrastructure program.

The leadership transition itself followed growing political pressure on Jacinta Allan.

Labor’s declining polling, concerns over rising state debt, cost-of-living pressures and continuing controversy surrounding alleged misconduct within the construction industry all contributed to calls for a fresh start.

Carroll has attempted to respond by presenting himself as a different style of leader—one focused on integrity, economic management and rebuilding confidence in government.

He has repeatedly stressed that while he served in previous Labor governments, his administration intends to pursue its own priorities and make its own decisions.

Among those priorities are restoring business confidence, strengthening public sector integrity and improving Victoria’s fiscal position.

Carroll has suggested his government will place greater emphasis on responsible financial management while continuing investment in essential public services such as health, education and transport.

He has also reshaped Cabinet and begun appointing new senior advisers as part of what supporters describe as a broader reset of the government’s direction.

Political analysts note that the Premier now faces the difficult task of balancing continuity with change.

Having served as a senior minister under both Andrews and Allan, Carroll benefits from extensive government experience but also inherits responsibility for many of Labor’s past decisions.

His opponents argue that experience makes it impossible for him to separate himself from the previous administration’s record.

Supporters counter that leadership transitions naturally provide opportunities for governments to adopt different priorities while retaining experienced ministers.

The issue is expected to remain central throughout the election campaign.

The Coalition is likely to continue highlighting Carroll’s long service within previous Labor governments, while Labor will seek to convince voters that new leadership can deliver a genuine change in direction without changing the governing party.

At the same time, Carroll’s proposed royal commission into the construction industry is expected to become one of the defining policy issues before Victorians return to the polls.

The inquiry’s scope, the selection of its commissioner and the witnesses eventually called to give evidence are all likely to attract close political and public attention in the months ahead.

For Carroll, his first Question Time demonstrated that becoming Premier has not ended questions about the past.

Instead, it marked the beginning of a new challenge: convincing Victorians that his government represents more than simply another chapter of the Andrews-Allan era.