Victorian Premier Ben Carroll is preparing to announce a significant cabinet reshuffle this coming Monday, following the sudden resignation of two senior ministers. Harriet Shing and Lily D'Ambrosio, both long-serving members of the Labor government, announced their departures from the frontbench this week and confirmed they will exit parliament at the November state election. Their exit creates immediate vacancies that the new Premier must fill as he attempts to stabilize his administration ahead of the upcoming poll.
The reshuffle comes during a period of intense political transition in Victoria. Premier Carroll recently assumed the top job after the resignation of former Premier Jacinta Allan, who stepped down amid mounting pressure from poor polling and public frustration over the state's cost-of-living crisis and integrity concerns. The incoming leadership team is now working to reset the government's agenda with less than four months remaining before voters head to the polls.
Key changes are expected to include the promotion of several backbenchers to cabinet roles. Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson has been widely tipped to secure a ministry, while various other MPs are currently lobbying for the remaining spots. The Premier has also moved to overhaul the leadership of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, appointing Treasury Secretary Chris Barrett to the role. This administrative shift is intended to support the government's new focus on integrity, particularly regarding the state's major infrastructure program, known as the Big Build.
Premier Carroll has already signaled a major policy shift by announcing a Royal Commission into construction industry corruption. This move is seen as a direct attempt to address allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement that have dogged major projects, including the Suburban Rail Loop. As the government enters its final months, the success of this cabinet refresh will be critical in determining whether Labor can regain public trust and improve its standing before the November election.