Victoria has installed a new premier, Ben Carroll, following a turbulent leadership spill that drew significant attention in Canberra. Carroll succeeded Jacinta Allan, who had refused to call a royal commission into alleged misconduct in the state's building industry.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers endorsed Carroll’s decision to initiate a royal commission into the construction sector, describing Carroll as "outstanding." This move contrasts with the previous federal Labor stance, which had maintained a "stony silence" on the issue.

Victorian Labor now faces less than four months to convince voters that the leadership change represents meaningful progress ahead of the upcoming election. Meanwhile, federal Labor colleagues are reportedly taking a backseat, as noted by Raf Epstein on ABC's Politics Now podcast.

Liberal frontbencher Tim Wilson seized the moment to call for a national royal commission into the CFMEU, following Carroll’s announcement of the state-level inquiry.

In other political developments, Pauline Hanson announced plans to reveal all her candidates imminently, with upper house MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell being the first announced.

Separately, The Nine papers reported on a "damning 189-page Australian Taxation Office affidavit" accusing Phillip Lee, father of 25-year-old Felix Lee who hosted a notable dinner, of repeatedly deceiving authorities to funnel money from China into Australian bank accounts and property.

Additionally, Taylor, appearing on Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, denied making any payments to the group known as the NSW Reformers.

One Nation's growing influence in Victoria is also noted as a complicating factor in the electoral landscape.

Sources