Carroll rekrutiert Labour-Loyalisten, um die Regierung vor dem Umbau zu führen.

Premier Ben Carroll has enlisted Julie Ligeti, a prominent Labor political strategist, to oversee the running of his government until the November election. Ligeti, known for her extensive experience in state politics and her close ties to key figures within the party, is expected to take on the role of chief of staff to the new premier. Her appointment is set to be finalized shortly, marking a strategic move to consolidate control over the administration during its transition period. Carroll's leadership came after a dramatic leadership spill that saw former premier Jacinta Allan ousted from power. The spill was triggered by a group of ministers including Colin Brooks, Ingrid Stitt, Anthony Carbines, Lizzie Blandthorn, and Luba Grigorovitch, who urged Allan to step down. These ministers are anticipated to benefit from the upcoming reshuffle of the cabinet, as they hold influential positions within the party. Gabrielle Williams, a leading figure in the Left faction, has already been appointed deputy premier and will likely secure a portfolio of her choosing. Ligeti’s involvement in the new administration is particularly notable due to her longstanding relationships with key players in both state and federal politics. She served as a senior adviser under the Bracks government and worked alongside high-profile figures such as former federal minister Brendan O’Connor and current federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil. Ligeti was even a housemate of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard during a brief period. Her familiarity with the inner workings of the party and her ability to navigate complex political landscapes make her a valuable asset to Carroll’s team. In addition to her role as chief of staff, Ligeti will manage the Premier’s Private Office, overseeing a team of nearly 90 employees. This position grants her considerable influence over the political direction of the government, especially as the state prepares for the November election. She will be tasked with ensuring that the government’s agenda is effectively communicated and implemented over the next four months. Carroll has expressed his intention to complete the transition to his administration and begin campaigning in earnest within three weeks. His policy priorities include establishing a royal commission into the building industry, fostering better relations with businesses, and implementing stricter oversight of public spending. Despite these differences from the previous government, he has indicated that the campaign will continue to emphasize cost-of-living issues, aligning with the focus of the outgoing administration. The government’s legislative efforts to protect working from home rights under anti-discrimination laws remain intact, despite pressure from certain sectors of the business community. Additionally, the future of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), a project that Carroll opposes, will be reassessed by the new cabinet following a thorough examination of existing contractual obligations. The sudden change in leadership has unsettled Allan’s supporters and has shifted the political landscape in Victoria. The Jess Wilson-led Coalition, which had previously positioned itself as a challenger to Labor, appears temporarily disoriented. The coalition had pledged to investigate corruption in large infrastructure projects and to reconsider the SRL if elected. A senior Labor official remarked that the situation has created a sense of uncertainty, noting that their best-case scenario has evolved from merely preserving the status quo to securing electoral victory.