Ben Carroll's new cabinet signals a 'new direction' for Victoria

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has unveiled a significantly reshaped cabinet, signaling a clear departure from his predecessors' priorities just four months ahead of a crucial election. The overhaul sees the abolition of standalone portfolios for transport infrastructure and the ambitious Suburban Rail Loop project, symbols of the previous governments' focus.

Carroll explained that ministers for health, roads, and public transport will now absorb infrastructure responsibilities within their existing portfolios. He also stated that every minister must prioritize easing cost-of-living pressures. The men and boys portfolio, a recent national-first initiative, has also been scrapped, with gender equality responsibilities falling under Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams.

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This is a strong, focused, united team that is taking our government in a new direction. A government that will fight every day for working people. A government that will fix things.

"This is a strong, focused, united team that is taking our government in a new direction. A government that will fight every day for working people. A government that will fix things," Carroll told reporters. He defended the move away from a dedicated Suburban Rail Loop portfolio, asserting it doesn't necessarily mean the project's demise, though he avoided direct questions about a review into its significant costs.

The premier emphasized efficiency and effectiveness as the driving forces behind the restructuring. "This is a sign that we’re going to do things better, more efficiently and more effectively," he said. The new cabinet lineup integrates various responsibilities, aiming for a more streamlined and responsive government ahead of the upcoming electoral challenge.

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This is a sign that we’re going to do things better, more efficiently and more effectively.