New Vic ministry to be revealed before parliament sits

Kaitlyn Offer and Rachael Ward | September 28, 2023

A reshuffled ministry will be unveiled by Victoria’s new premier before parliament next sits.

Jacinta Allan was sworn in as the state’s 49th premier, only the second woman to hold the position, late on Wednesday after Daniel Andrews announced his resignation on Tuesday.

Ms Allan said she would take the AFL grand final weekend to talk to her colleagues before unveiling her ministry by the time parliament sits on Tuesday.

She confirmed Treasurer Tim Pallas would retain the title he has held for nine years after losing the deputy premier spot to Ben Carroll on Wednesday.

“As the leader of the government, the premier is responsible for all areas of government and I will work closely with my ministerial colleagues, my fabulous parliamentary team on delivering that agenda,” Ms Allan told reporters on Thursday.

She vowed to continue with Mr Andrews’ policies and project agenda as Labor took it to an election less than a year ago, while emphasising housing reforms, health and transport infrastructure.

“There will be the opportunity to further build on that program that works,” she said.

Ms Allan said her government would continue with measures to pay down the state’s debt unveiled earlier this year, which include cancelling payroll tax exemptions for high-fee schools and a tax on second homes and investment properties for 10 years.

In May, the Victorian budget forecast net debt to hit $171.4 billion by mid-2027, while ratings agency Moody’s forecast net direct and indirect debt to climb to $226.2 billion.

Ms Allan wore high vis and a hard hat for her first press conference on her first full day in the top job, spruiking a level crossing removal project in Pakenham.

Speaking to ABC Radio Melbourne earlier on Thursday, the premier said she hoped to be judged on her actions, deeds and words.

“I hope Victorians can judge me for who I am,” she said.

The longest-serving female minister in Australia’s history acknowledged women were held to different standards.

“Yes and that is (because) if you look back in history … there have been historically so few women, even in parliament, let alone in different ministerial and leadership roles,” Ms Allan said.

Mr Andrews said on Wednesday he couldn’t be happier Ms Allan had taken over the top job.

Hundreds of Mr Andrews’ critics rallied at parliament house on Wednesday night to mark the end of his leadership, drinking beers and waving flags in what was touted as a “celebration”.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto said Ms Allan would be leading a divided party with a deputy who wanted her job and didn’t think she was up to it.

Victorians got their first look at life after Mr Andrews with Labor’s factions “at war” over his replacement, Mr Pesutto said in a statement.

Ms Allan in 1999 became the youngest woman elected to Victoria’s parliament at age 25 and three years later was sworn in as the state’s youngest minister.

She became deputy premier in June 2022.

Among her portfolios, she was charged with delivering the now-cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games.

A by-election will be held for Mr Andrews’ seat of Mulgrave.