Jacinta Allan appointed Victorian premier, Ben Carroll deputy

Jacinta Allan has become just the second woman to lead Victoria after a tense day of backroom deals.

Jacinta Allan has been appointed Victoria’s 49th Premier, after a tense day of backroom deals to get the job.

Ms Allan, 50, was officially sworn in at a ceremony at Government House on Wednesday.

New Deputy Premier Ben Carroll – a challenger for the top job – is expected be sworn in next week.

In her first press conference, Ms Allan – nicknamed “J.A” – vowed to hit the ground running and said the housing crisis was one of the state’s immediate challenges.

A mother of two, she becomes just the second woman to lead Victoria.

Premier Jacinta Allan is sworn in by the Governor of Victoria Professor Margaret Gardner at Government House. Picture: Ian Currie

As the former minister responsible for the cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games and major projects that have seen billions of dollars in cost blowouts, she also faces the task of convincing Victorians she can get the state’s finances back under control.

Ms Allan also promised before the 2018 state election that the Suburban Rail Loop would cost only $50 billion.

The price tag has now blown out to more than $125 billion and she will face pressure to scale back or even axe the controversial project if costs keep rising.

Jacinta Allan has replaced Daniel Andrews as Premier. Picture: David Crosling

A leadership vote was avoided after Ben Carroll withdrew as a challenger and accepted the role as deputy premier.

Returning officer Paul Hamer confirmed the appointments, saying the positions were elected unopposed.

In her first press conference as Premier, Ms Allan said it was such a “deep honour and privilege” to be appointed to the top job and pledged to Victorians that she would work hard “every single day”.

“Twenty-four years ago, almost to the day, when I walked into this place as a much younger woman, I never expected to have this length of service,” she said.

She also paid tribute to outgoing premier, Daniel Andrews.

“He has been driven by his values every single day that he has served the Victorian community.”

Ms Allan choked back tears speaking about becoming Victoria’s second female premier.

She said she hoped her political rise sent a strong message to every woman across the state.

“Leadership takes on different shapes and sizes,” she said.

Ms Allan said she would bring her values and style of leadership to the role.

“The values of hard work, the values about equality of opportunity, the values around supporting working families, supporting our beautiful natural environment.

“They will be will values that I bring to the role.”

Ms Allan also became emotional talking about her husband and two young children.

She said her political career was only made possible thanks to the “wonderful love and support” she received from her family.

“I couldn’t do it without them,” she said.

Incoming deputy premier Ben Carroll says he will work collaboratively with Jacinta Allan. Picture: Getty Images

Jacinta Allan addresses the media in her first speech as Victorian Premier, alongside incoming deputy premier Ben Carroll. Picture: Getty Images

“They make it all possible but they also are my inspiration and motivation to keep going.

“The issues my 11 and nine year old bring to me broadens the issues that come into my world as a politician and also broadens the perspective that you get.”

Ms Allan said she’s had “fleeting conversations” with her family since being appointed the new premier.

“They were keen to know the outcome too,” she said.

“It’s remarkable how politically literate your children can be when you have these jobs.”

Ms Allan said she would have a family meal on Wednesday night, but would celebrate the new job by “pushing on”.

“The way I will mark this moment is by pushing on and continuing to work hard because that’s how I treat every single day,” she said.

Incoming deputy premier Ben Carroll, who pulled the pin on challenging Allan at the last moment, said he would work collaboratively with the new premier.

“Jacinta was elected unopposed and unanimously. I supported Jacinta two years ago to become the deputy premier. She was an outstanding deputy Premier and she’s going to make an outstanding premier,” he said.

“She’s not only a colleague, but she’s a friend.

“We’ve worked really well together (with) her (as) Transport Infrastructure (Minister) and myself as Public Transport (Minister).”

Mr Carroll refused to say why he attempted to challenge Ms Allan.

“These are matters obviously for our party,” he said.

“I really wanted to make sure that with Jacinta as premier and myself as deputy premier (that) we have the strongest team leading into the next election, and that’s what I think we have.”

Vicki Ward, Jacinta Allan and Ben Carroll. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Mr Carroll, who has served in 14 ministerial portfolios over the past six years, said he was “always keen to rise” through the political ranks.

“I am always looking to see how I can continue to increase my contribution to this outstanding Labor government,” he said.

“It’s a real privilege to be serving as the deputy premier.

“I can’t wait to roll up the sleeves and get on and support this new leadership team.”

Outgoing Premier Daniel Andrews said it was an “outstanding result”.

“There’s a lot of work to do to make sure that the government works hard for the people of Victoria,” he said.

“That’s what we’re focused on.”

Daniel Andrews arrives at Parliament House Melbourne ahead of the Labor caucus meeting. Picture: Getty Images

Anthony Albanese congratulated Jacinta Allan on her new appointment.

“Bendigo born and bred, Jacinta has always been a champion for regional development,” the Prime Minister said.

“It’s been great to work with her over the years and I’m looking forward to Jacinta bringing her ideas and energy to National Cabinet.”

Opposition leader John Pesutto said Ms Allan had taken over a “deeply divided” party made up of warring factions.

“Jacinta Allan bungled major projects and was responsible for the debacle that was the 2026 Commonwealth Games, so it’s little wonder a number of Labor MPs got cold feet,” he said.

“The new Premier will be leading a divided party with a deputy who doesn’t think she’s up to it and has made no secret of the fact that he wants her job.

“This division is the last thing Victorians need. Victorians need leadership more than ever.”

Mr Pesutto, who congratulated Ms Allan and wished her well in the new role, also called on her to answer key questions about the state’s debt crisis, how much money has been wasted on major projects, and how much Victorians paid in the bungled Commonwealth Games.

“We may have a different Premier, but we still have a tired, corrupt and incompetent government,” he said.

Nationals leader Peter Walsh said Victorians should brace themselves for “more of the same” following Ms Allan’ appointment.

“I am deeply concerned it will be business as usual,” he said.

“Victorians talk about Daniel Andrews handing Jacinta Allan a poisoned chalice. The truth is, her fingerprints are already all over the chalice.

“When Victorians look at the career of Jacinta Allan, and the portfolios she’s held, there should be great cause for concern.

“Victoria is in a worse position than I can recall and Jacinta Allan has been an integral part of the government that has overseen Victoria’s demise.”

Australian Industry Group Victorian head Tim Piper said Ms Allan should reconsider the state’s budget strategy as her first order of business.

“Ms Allan has been in Parliament for almost half her life and is an experienced campaigner who is well versed on what to expect in the top job,” he said.

“We look forward to working with the new Premier and her team as she looks to make a fresh start in getting Victoria back on track.

“We hope she will be a listening Premier. She has always understood that the state needs to work closely with business, encourage and attract new investment, and provide positive incentives to enable businesses to remain in the state.

Outgoing Premier Daniel Andrews says Jacinta Allan’s appointment as next premier of Victoria is an ‘outstanding result’. Picture: Ian Currie

“The new Premier’s first job should be to work with the Treasurer to reconsider the state’s budget strategy which has left Victoria with the worst debt burden of all the states and territories.”

Mr Piper also congratulated Mr Carroll, the Minister for Employment and Industry, and said his role as deputy Premier will be “vital in helping ensure the business community is given every opportunity to flourish”.

Regional Cities Victoria chair Andrea Metcalf welcomed the appointments of Ms Allan and Mr Carroll.

Ms Metcalf said Ms Allan, a country woman, has an “outstanding understanding” of the issues faced by regional communities.

“We have always had a productive and responsive relationship with Ms Allan while she was Deputy Premier, and we will continue to engage with her office on regional issues in her new position as Premier,” she said.

Property Council Victorian Executive Director Cath Evans, who last week stood with the government to unveil the housing statement, said she had worked closely with Ms Allan on various policies.

“We look forward to continuing our positive and constructive relationship with the government under her leadership,” she said.

“We thank Daniel Andrews for his service to the Parliament and people of Victoria and wish him all the best.”

Jacinta Allan faced a challenge from Ben Carroll for the premier’s job. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Political network EMILY’s List, which supports progressive Labor Party women, congratulated Ms Allan as just the second woman to lead Victoria.

EMILY’s List CEO Pamela Anderson said Ms Allan’s appointment was a strong message to women that gender equality will keep moving forward in Victoria.

“Joan’s (Victoria’s first female Premier Joan Kirner) dream has always been to have more women in politics and especially as premier,” Ms Anderson said.

“Jacinta Allan is a foundation member of EMILYs list and a long-time supporter so we are thrilled that she takes on the top job as Premier of Victoria.”

Ms Anderson said Daniel Andrews had made “inroads” for Victorian women by promoting a gender-equal ministry.

“We thank Dan and his government for his commitment to making the lives of women better in Victoria and the community can be reassured that this will continue under the strong and experienced leadership of Jacinta Allan, she said.

Lower house speaker and Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said she was proud of her friend’s appointment.

“Jacinta is going to be a great leader of this state,” she said.

“She is smart, empathetic, a great listener and problem solver.

“We are fortunate to have someone so dedicated and hard working in charge.”

The CFMEU welcomed the appointment of Ms Allan.

CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith said Ms Allan had been an advocate for workers throughout her career.

“Jacinta Allan has shown all the right signs she will be an excellent premier who continues the state government’s work in building vital infrastructure,” he said.

“Her success across a wide range of portfolios including employment, major projects and industry over a long and distinguished parliamentary career means she’s exactly the kind of leader the state needs to ensure its growing needs are met.”

Mr Smith also paid tribute to Mr Andrews’ “outstanding commitment” to major infrastructure projects.

“Few leaders have had the courage and vision to build so many major projects that will set Victoria up for the future,” he said.

Treasurer Tim Pallas, who unsuccessfully put his hand up for deputy, said he would continue in the role.

When asked if he would be staying on, he replied: “Of course”.

How Jacinta secured top job

Mr Andrews arrived at the meeting at 1.15pm, flanked by three senior staff members, including his press secretary.

Prior to that, Mr Carroll and Ms Allan were spotted talking with each other in a separate room within the parliament.

Ms Allan arrived at the Labor caucus meeting shortly after with factional allies Sonya Kilkenny, Lily D’Ambrosio and Paul Hamer.

Tim Pallas had said he would nominate for the role of deputy premier. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Mr Carroll walked in a short time after Ms Allan, next to ministers Lizzie Blandthorn, Melissa Horne and Natalie Suleyman.

Earlier, Treasurer Tim Pallas had revealed he would nominate for the role of deputy premier.

Mr Pallas emailed MPs on Wednesday morning notifying them of his plans to nominate.

The Treasurer, a friend and ally of Mr Andrews, was only informed of his resignation 15 minutes before the announcement to the media.

“The relationship between the Treasurer and the Premier was a very close one, but also a very strained one and stressful one,” he said.

“The fact that he acknowledged and regarded that throughout all that trauma and all those arguments, we still had great respect for each other. That, quite frankly, is very comforting.”

Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio on Wednesday morning ruled out a tilt at the role of deputy premier.

Asked whether she put her hand up, Ms D’Ambrosio said: “Ah, no … I’ve been very clear to my colleagues. It’s something that I haven’t pursued and I’m not interested in pursuing.

“I’ve never been one to be in that game.

Lily D’Ambrosio earlier ruled out putting her hand up for the deputy premier role. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“We will work through the process and see what we come up with.”

Ms D’Ambrosio said she was throwing her support behind factionally ally Jacinta Allan.

“I know Jacinta will make a great premier. She’s got a hell of a lot of experience and one that served us very well up until now in the roles that she’s played.

“Caucus generally understand we’ve got to get back to the business of being in government and being a good government.

“Obviously it’s going to be a different look in terms of the leadership.”

When Jacinta Allan arrived at parliament on Wednesday morning, she remained tight-lipped on whether she believed she would become the next premier.

The firm favourite for the top job arrived at 8.30am with Labor MP Sheena Watt.

“There’s caucus meetings this morning. I’m looking forward to joining caucus with my colleagues and letting the usual caucus process run its course,” Ms Allan said.

Asked if she thought she had the support, Ms Allan said: “I’m going to respect my colleagues and let the usual Caucus process run its course”.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes is backing Jacinta Allan for the top job. Picture: David Geraghty

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said she was backing Ms Allan for the top job, despite being from another faction.

Asked whether it was a possibility for her to become deputy premier from the upper house, Ms Symes said: “I don’t think that’s going to happen today”.

Ms Symes, who is one of the government’s most senior ministers, could be at risk of losing the crucial role as leader of the government in the upper house amid a factional shake-up.

“There’s a lot of conversations and negotiations going on,” she said.

“I haven’t heard that it’s not.

“It’s a very difficult job that I do, and I’ll continue to do that until the caucus chooses otherwise.”

Ms Symes said she hoped Wednesday’s meeting was focused on electing the deputy leader.

“I hope that the leader is Jacinta Allan,” she said.

Former Victorian premier Steve Bracks says Jacinta Allan will hit the ground running as premier. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

On Wednesday morning, former premier Steve Bracks said there were no guarantees in elections but Jacinta Allan was very well prepared after holding the role as deputy.

Mr Bracks said he promoted Ms Allan to the ministry when she was 29 years old, alongside now former MP Tim Holding.

“I thought, well one of them is going to be premier one day and I think I’m probably right,” he said.

“She’s going to hit the ground running. She’s got a good agenda going forward.

“I think the Liberal Party would be unwise just to assume, oh now Daniel Andrews has gone it should be clear sailing for us.”

Upper house president and Labor MP Shaun Leane on Wednesday said Jacinta Allan would be the next premier.

“She is going to do a fantastic job,” he said.

Mr Leane, a former minister who was booted from cabinet in a reshuffle last year, said he wasn’t looking to be appointed to the ministry again under a new leader.