Dave Hughes has launched a blistering attack on Victoria’s new Premier, claiming a single line from Ben Carroll’s inaugural speech amounted to an admission that critics of the former Labor government had been right all along.
The comedian and radio host shared an impassioned video on social media after Carroll was sworn in as Victoria’s 50th premier following Jacinta Allan’s sudden resignation ahead of a looming leadership challenge.
What caught Hughes’ attention wasn’t the change in leadership itself, but Carroll’s pledge that “integrity will not be optional” under his government, coupled with his declaration that he was “not Dan Andrews” and “not Jacinta Allan”.
Hughes described the remarks as “chilling”, arguing they represented an unusually sharp rebuke of the previous Labor leadership from someone who had served alongside them for years.
“I have never seen an incoming leader whack their predecessors harder,” Hughes said in the video.
He then questioned how Carroll could now promise a different standard of integrity after spending more than a decade as part of the same government.
“The whole 12 years. He’s watched every single move they’ve made,” Hughes said.
Referring to Carroll’s promise that integrity would not be optional, Hughes argued the comments effectively validated long-running criticism of the former government.
“He just told everyone that the critics were right,” he claimed.
Hughes also urged Victorians to keep asking questions about what he described as “missing billions and billions and billions of dollars”, while expressing hope that Carroll would follow through on his commitment to treat public money responsibly.
The outspoken broadcaster, who has become increasingly critical of Labor in recent years despite previously supporting the party, went even further by alleging Carroll had “witnessed 12 years of corruption” while serving in government. The allegation reflects Hughes’ opinion and has not been substantiated by evidence.
Carroll’s comments have also drawn attention because they appeared to put distance between himself and former premiers Andrews and Allan, despite Andrews later congratulating his successor and describing him as “a great campaigner” who would lead the party well.
The exchange has added an unexpected twist to Victoria’s political transition, with Hughes arguing that Carroll’s first public statements may have said more about the past than the future.
Image: Instagram
