维多利亚州总理杰欣塔·艾伦在任职1036天后宣布辞职[1]。艾伦在其最后演讲中强调了政府的基础设施成就，但未涉及困扰"大建设"项目的腐败丑闻[1]。她因拒绝启动皇家委员会调查建筑工会CFMEU及相关项目问题而被迫下台[1]。
根据《时代报》的披露，该工会被指虚增政府项目成本、延误施工，并聘用包括摩托车党成员在内的犯罪分子[1]。"大建设"项目包括92个平交道口移除、西门隧道完工、东北连接线、郊区铁路环线和地铁隧道等工程[1]。多位工党部长在周一的内阁会议和周二的公开场合呼吁启动皇家委员会[1]。
本·卡罗尔将接任维多利亚州总理，预计其上任后的首批行动之一将是启动相关皇家委员会[1]。
Jacinta Allan announced her resignation as Victoria's premier after serving 1,036 days in the role.[1] Her departure comes following sustained pressure from Labor colleagues over her refusal to establish a royal commission into corruption allegations surrounding the state's Big Build infrastructure program.[1]
Allan's final speech emphasized government infrastructure achievements but notably omitted any reference to the scandals plaguing the Big Build initiatives.[1] The projects encompass the removal of 92 level crossings, completion of the West Gate Tunnel, the North East Link, suburban rail loop, and metro tunnel construction.[1] According to investigations by The Age, the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) inflated costs on government projects, caused construction delays, and employed criminal offenders including motorcycle gang members.[1] Multiple Labor ministers publicly called for a royal commission during a tense cabinet meeting on Monday and again on Tuesday, ultimately forcing Allan's hand.[1]
Ben Carroll will assume the role of Victorian premier and is expected to establish the royal commission as one of his first actions in the position.[1]