- Ben Carroll became Victorian premier last week, promising to differentiate himself from his predecessors Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews.
- Carroll named his new frontbench, which includes a new artificial intelligence and digital economy portfolio for Anthony Carbines.
- He scrapped the standalone transport infrastructure and Suburban Rail Loop portfolios, signaling a shift from previous administrations.
- Carroll confirmed that two cabinet vacancies would remain unfilled, a move aimed at fiscal responsibility.
- Cabinet met on Tuesday afternoon, where terms of reference for a royal commission into the construction industry were expected to be discussed.
- Carroll's cabinet changes are described as a complete overhaul of portfolios, reflecting a new direction for the government.
- Artificial intelligence is seen as a significant focus, with Carroll stating it is the biggest transformation going through society and the economy right now.
- Carroll emphasized the need for ethical and responsible AI development as part of Carbines' new role.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has restructured his cabinet, introducing a new artificial intelligence portfolio led by Anthony Carbines. This move, part of a broader cabinet overhaul, aims to signal a new direction for the government, distancing itself from the previous administration's focus on transport infrastructure.17
Carroll emphasized the importance of ethical AI development, stating, “Artificial intelligence is the biggest transformation going through society and the economy right now.” He aims to ensure that AI advancements are accompanied by necessary regulatory reforms and guard rails.
The cabinet reshuffle also saw the elimination of several key portfolios, including transport infrastructure and the Suburban Rail Loop, which were central to the previous leadership. Carroll's decision to slim down the cabinet is seen as a way to strengthen his position and reduce the influence of the Socialist Left faction within the party.
Despite the changes, critics like Opposition Leader Jess Wilson have accused Carroll of merely “shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic,” suggesting that the moves do not address deeper issues within the government.
As Carroll's government prepares for upcoming elections, the focus will be on demonstrating tangible results from these changes, with voters eager for evidence of real transformation.
The new cabinet includes Colin Brooks as treasurer and Paul Edbrooke overseeing police and emergency services, marking a significant shift in leadership roles within the Victorian government.
“Carroll scrapped the standalone transport infrastructure and Suburban Rail Loop portfolios and left two vacancies unfilled, saving about $400,000 a year against Victoria’s debt forecast of nearly $200bn. Colin Brooks becomes treasurer, replacing Jaclyn Symes, while Anthony Carbines moves from police to the new AI portfolio.”
The Guardian
ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation
