Ben Carroll has been sworn in as the premier of Victoria following the resignation of Jacinta Allan, according to the Guardian. In his first act as leader, Carroll announced a royal commission into alleged corruption in the state’s construction sector, describing his elevation as the start of change.

Allan stepped down from the top job before an expected leadership spill, saying her deputy had her ‘unqualified support’. The Guardian reported that a surprise challenger had emerged in the leadership contest during what it described as a tumultuous 48 hours for Labor.

Carroll’s elevation comes just four months before the state election, adding political weight to both the leadership change and his decision to launch a sweeping inquiry into the construction industry as his opening move.

The transition in Victoria coincided with change at the national level of the union movement. Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele O’Neil said it was the ‘right time’ to leave after she announced her departure alongside ACTU secretary Sally McManus. O’Neil said the union movement was ‘in good shape’ and pointed to next year’s 100th anniversary of the ACTU as a moment for renewal and new leadership.

Not all reaction to Carroll’s announcement was positive. Comments reported by the Guardian pointed to broader challenges facing the state, including a debt heading towards $200bn, teachers striking over a pay deal, and problems with road maintenance. A critic argued that Carroll ‘might performatively call a royal commission tokenistically’ now that he had become leader, suggesting it was driven by concern about the polls rather than sincere concern about corruption.

The same critical remarks argued that fixing the state’s problems required a majority government and ‘someone with a plan’, framing the leadership change as a test for Victorian Labor ahead of the coming election.