By Rachael Ward and Kaitlyn Offer, AAP
A reshuffled ministry will be unveiled by Victoria’s new premier before parliament next sits.
Jacinta Allan was sworn in as the state’s 49th premier, only the second woman to hold the position, late on Wednesday after Daniel Andrews announced his resignation on Tuesday.
Ms Allan said she would take the AFL grand final weekend to talk to her colleagues before unveiling her ministry by the time parliament sits on Tuesday.
She confirmed Treasurer Tim Pallas would retain the title he has held for nine years after losing the deputy premier spot to Ben Carroll on Wednesday.
“As the leader of the government, the premier is responsible for all areas of government and I will work closely with my ministerial colleagues, my fabulous parliamentary team on delivering that agenda,” Ms Allan told reporters on Thursday.
Speaking to ABC Radio Melbourne earlier on Thursday, Ms Allan said she hoped to be judged on her actions, deeds and words.
“I hope Victorians can judge me for who I am,” she said.
The longest-serving female minister in Australia’s history acknowledged women were held to different standards.
“Yes and that is (because) if you look back in history … there have been historically so few women, even in parliament, let alone in different ministerial and leadership roles,” Ms Allan said.
Mr Andrews said on Wednesday he couldn’t be happier Ms Allan had taken over the top job.
Hundreds of Mr Andrews’ critics rallied at parliament house on Wednesday night to mark the end of his leadership, drinking beers and waving flags in what was touted as a “celebration”.
Opposition Leader John Pesutto said Ms Allan would be leading a divided party with a deputy who wanted her job and didn’t think she was up to it.
Victorians got their first look at life after Mr Andrews with Labor’s factions “at war” over his replacement, Mr Pesutto said in a statement.
Ms Allan in 1999 became the youngest woman elected to Victoria’s parliament at age 25 and three years later was sworn in as the state’s youngest minister.
She became deputy premier in June 2022.
Among her portfolios, she was charged with delivering the now-cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games.
A by-election will be held for Mr Andrews’ seat of Mulgrave.
