Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard has publicly condemned the "vile sexism" she claims was directed at Victoria's former premier, Jacinta Allan, during her time in office. Ms Gillard lauded Ms Allan as a trailblazer who courageously combated misogyny, paving the way for future female leaders.
Simultaneously, newly appointed Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced a royal commission into the state's construction industry, a move garnering strong support from former Labor leader Bill Shorten, who highlighted widespread concerns about costs and transparency within the sector.
Allan a "Courageous Trailblazer"
Speaking on the treatment of Ms Allan, the second woman to lead the state, Ms Gillard did not mince words. "There is no doubt that as the second woman to lead the state, she has been subjected to vile sexism," Ms Gillard stated, as reported by The Guardian Australia.
Ms Gillard praised her predecessor's resilience, adding, "She has been courageous in calling it out and combating this misogyny. As a result, she has made it easier for the women that follow." This endorsement from Australia's first female Prime Minister underscores the persistent challenges faced by women in high political office, echoing sentiments Ms Gillard herself voiced during her own premiership.
Royal Commission into Construction Sector
Meanwhile, Premier Carroll's first major policy announcement involves tackling perceived issues within Victoria's construction industry. The new Premier has pledged a royal commission to investigate the sector, a decision that has been welcomed by federal figures such as Bill Shorten.
Mr Shorten, a former union boss and Labor party leader, expressed his support for Mr Carroll on the ABC's 7.30 program last night. "He wants to act with integrity, and he wants to act in everyone's interests," Mr Shorten said, commending Carroll's immediate focus on substantive issues. "I think he understands [what] people will be assessing: is he serving the people or is he just playing politics? So I thought he was very straight. He’s in there for Victorians, not trying to just tick the box and get particular interest groups on side."
"Something Rotten" in Construction
Mr Shorten elaborated on the necessity of the royal commission, pointing to widespread public sentiment regarding construction costs. "I just think that the costs of construction... there may be exaggerations, but there is something rotten going on in construction, and people want to see it can be dealt with," he asserted. The focus on public infrastructure, largely funded by taxpayers, makes the issue particularly pertinent. "This is public infrastructure, so it’s taxpayer money," Mr Shorten emphasised, linking the inquiry directly to accountability for public funds.
Premier Carroll inherits a state grappling with significant infrastructure projects and public scrutiny over their delivery and expenditure. His swift action in calling for a royal commission signals a commitment to transparency and addressing long-standing concerns within the key economic sector. The inquiry is expected to delve into cost overruns, contractual practices, and potential malfeasance, aiming to restore public confidence in large-scale building projects across Victoria.
