Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:05): Every dollar we spend, as the Treasurer just highlighted, will have a dividend for every person in every part of our state of Victoria. We know every Victorian works hard, and they have a right to expect honest government, proper scrutiny and consequences for wrongdoing. Integrity, on our side of the chamber, is non-negotiable. It is why the very first thing I did as Premier was call a royal commission –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Member for Euroa! When I am on my feet, there will be silence. Members will cease interjecting. The Premier, without assistance.

Ben CARROLL: The very first thing I did as Premier was call a royal commission into the construction sector. I also said we would get on and strengthen IBAC’s powers to follow the money and expand the definition of ‘corruption’, something the opposition leader has been on the public record as opposing.

James Newbury: Speaker, this is a very serious point of order.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Members will be removed from the chamber without warning.

James Newbury: The Premier is pre-empting debate.

The SPEAKER: I do remind the Premier about the bills that are currently before the chamber and to not pre-empt debate on those matters.

Ben CARROLL: Those opposite want to lecture on integrity, and it is very clear only one side of this Parliament wants to get on and do the royal commission and strengthen IBAC. You cannot demand answers while opposing stronger powers to find them. We are getting on with the job. That is what Victorians expect, and that is what we are delivering. Healthy democracies rely on the principle of stewardship. We are all temporary custodians of public institutions and finances. We respect and have proprietary of public office, and we ask those opposite to take an example as well.