Victoria's new premier Ben Carroll to consider cabinet reshuffle

Ben Carroll is starting his first full day as Victoria's premier, stepping into the role after Jacinta Allan's departure as leader of the Victorian Labor Party. The Member for Niddrie now faces the significant task of guiding the Labor party through the upcoming state election in November.

One of Carroll's immediate priorities is expected to be a potential reshuffling of his frontbench. His own education portfolio will become available, and he must select a replacement for Allan. While sources suggest Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson may enter the cabinet, other changes to Allan's ministry have not yet been revealed.

Carroll also has a packed agenda, including setting the terms of reference for a royal commission into the construction sector, which he announced the previous day. He will also need to finalize his cabinet appointments.

Before leading a press conference in Melbourne's CBD, Carroll visited a Kmart store on Bourke Street. He has a personal connection to the retailer, having worked there for eight years during his high school and university studies. It was at Kmart that he first joined a union, gaining an understanding of their importance in supporting working people, a connection that has earned him the nickname 'Kmart Keating' among some Labor colleagues.