Victoria's Ben Carroll Commences First Full Day as New Premier with Kmart Announcement
Ben Carroll began his inaugural day as Victoria's premier, holding a press conference alongside deputy Gabrielle Williams and unveiling an announcement at a Kmart store.
Victoria's Labor Party installed Ben Carroll as premier yesterday, replacing Jacinta Allan, and today he marked his debut with a press conference in Melbourne's CBD. Deputy premier Gabrielle Williams joined him for the event, which culminated in an unexpected reveal at a Kmart outlet on Bourke Street. Carroll referenced his eight-year experience working at a Kmart in Airport West during his school and university years, crediting the job with introducing him to union activism.
He described that period as shaping his understanding of unions' role for working Australians, a background that has led some Labor members to label him “Kmart Keating.” The announcement signals his intent to connect with everyday voters ahead of the November state election. Observers will watch how his union-rooted narrative influences Labor's campaign strategy.
Why it matters
The new premier’s first actions set the tone for his leadership and the upcoming state election.
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