Victoria’s new Premier, Ben Carroll, has vowed to end secretive decision-making within his government and pledged a comprehensive reset following findings by the state’s anti-corruption watchdog. In a recent interview, Carroll condemned undisclosed negotiations during the Daniel Andrews administration and expressed deep regret over Labor’s internal failings.

Carroll specifically referenced an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) investigation into covert discussions involving former Premier Daniel Andrews, senior bureaucrat Tony Bates, and former minister Gavin Jennings concerning a firefighters’ pay deal in 2016. The inquiry found these parties acted in contravention of government policy and ethical codes, conducting backroom talks without full cabinet oversight. Carroll promised that such dealings, described as a breakdown in cabinet process, would not recur under his leadership.

The Premier also highlighted the impact on the late emergency services minister Jane Garrett, who died in April 2023. Carroll stated she was unfairly undermined during these negotiations and deserved greater respect and dignity. He said the IBAC report vindicated Garrett’s position and apologized to Victorians for the government's failures exposed by the investigation.

The report further revealed that former minister Lisa Neville granted privileged access to United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall, potentially influencing the appointment of a new fire chief. In response, Bates—currently secretary of the Department of Education—has taken leave, while Neville remains in two government-appointed roles. Carroll signaled that both individuals will need to reflect on their positions, emphasizing his commitment to carefully handling the matter in line with IBAC’s recommendations.

The Premier outlined broader plans to rebuild trust with Victoria’s business community, acknowledging they felt unheard under previous governments. He indicated a shift away from large-scale initiatives like the “Big Build,” describing his approach as a “big reset.” Carroll also questioned the appropriateness of plans to erect a taxpayer-funded statue of former Premier Andrews, considering it part of a “stupid” tradition introduced during Jeff Kennett’s tenure. He suggested public investments should prioritize schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure rather than commemorations.

Since assuming office last month following Andrews’s unexpected resignation, Carroll has engaged with Labor caucus members, senior government staff, and union leaders. While he did not rule out a cabinet reshuffle, he said any changes would focus on refreshing leadership rather than purging former Andrews loyalists. Carroll strongly condemned footage showing ministers allegedly mocking Garrett in Parliament, calling it “disgusting.”

The Premier faces ongoing challenges managing government services amid inflationary pressures and constrained budgets. He defended recent cuts to elective surgeries in Melbourne as difficult but necessary choices given fiscal limitations. Carroll also expressed concern over federal energy policy, warning of an emerging “gas emergency” and calling for urgent discussions with Commonwealth Energy Minister Chris Bowen. He also urged support for keeping Illawarra coal within the nation’s electricity supply.

With the state election looming next year, Labor’s standing appears fragile, facing expected losses in the upper house and significant gains by the Greens in early polling. Opposition parties have criticized Carroll’s government for inheriting a series of contentious infrastructure projects and secretive deals from the Andrews era. Carroll remains cautious on endorsing federal cost-of-living measures, emphasizing coordination with his Treasurer and federal-state budget negotiations before committing Victoria’s support to initiatives such as a proposed three-year gas price cap.