Victoria’s Premier Under Fire: A Royal Commission and a Teachers’ Strike

Victoria’s Premier Ben Carroll is facing intense scrutiny over two major crises that threaten the stability of his government. The first crisis is the royal commission into corruption on the Big Build, which he wants to start before the state election in November. This decision is seen as an attempt by Carroll to deflect blame from himself and his predecessors for alleged corruption within his own government.

The terms of reference for the royal commission are still unclear, but it’s expected to examine the relationship between the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and the state government. This is a crucial aspect of the inquiry, given the close ties between Labor’s factional leaders and various union affiliates.

The second crisis is the ongoing teachers’ strike over pay and conditions, which has been ongoing for months. The Australian Education Union has rejected the Allan government’s offer of a 28.3% pay rise, and a 24-hour walkout is planned for August 19. Parents are bracing themselves for another day of cancelled classes.

Carroll claims to want to work constructively with the union, but his words ring hollow given his administration’s reluctance to engage in meaningful negotiations. The timing of the strike could not be worse for Carroll, who is still grappling with the fallout from his ascension to the top job.

Carroll’s promise to consult with the cabinet on the royal commission terms of reference this week suggests a desire to appear proactive and decisive. However, his failure to address the teachers’ dispute in any meaningful way raises questions about his ability to manage competing interests within his own party.

As the state election draws closer, Carroll’s government is facing increasing pressure from all sides. The royal commission and the teachers’ strike are just two of several controversies that threaten to undermine his administration’s credibility. In order for him to recover, Carroll must demonstrate a willingness to take tough decisions and tackle the issues head-on.

The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of Carroll’s government. Will he emerge from this period with his reputation intact, or will the weight of these crises prove too much for him to bear?