Ben Carroll

Benjamin Alan Carroll (born 12 July 1975) is an Australian politician and lawyer and has been the current deputy premier of Victoria since October 2023.^[1][2] He has been the deputy leader of the Victorian branch of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) since 2023 and has been a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the division of Niddrie since 2012.^[3]

Carroll also currently holds the positions of Minister for Education and Deputy Premier of Victoria in the state government since the 2023 cabinet reshuffle which resulted in the First Allan Ministry.^[3] In addition to his ministerial portfolios, Carroll is a member of two parliamentary committees - the Legislative Assembly Standing Orders Committee and Dispute Resolution Committee.^[3] He has previously held various ministerial portfolios since 2020 in Industry, employment, road safety and support, and Public Transport.^[3]

Early years and education

Carroll was born in Airport West, Victoria.^[4] His father was an electrician, and his mother worked at Glenroy West Primary School.^[5] Carroll attended primary school at St Christopher's Primary School, and high school at St Bernard's College in Essendon.^[5] From his teenage years into his early twenties, Carroll worked as a sales assistant for Kmart in Airport West, where he first learnt of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association.^[6]

Carroll studied law at La Trobe University,^[5] graduating with honours in 2000. He first joined the Labor Party while at university.^[6] He was admitted as a legal solicitor in 2010. He holds a Master of Laws from La Trobe University, having commenced the degree subsequent to his 2012 election.

Caroll worked for the insurance company AAMI in its motor vehicles division, and for the Victorian Government Solicitor between 2009 and 2010.^[7]

Political career

Carroll has worked as a political advisor to Steve Bracks, Justin Madden, and Stephen Conroy.^{[7][failed verification]}

In 2012, Carroll was elected to the seat of Niddrie in a by-election following the resignation of Rob Hulls, and was re-elected in 2014 and 2018.

In December 2014, Carroll was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Justice in the incoming Andrews Labor Government. In October 2017, he was appointed Minister for Industry and Employment, after the resignation of Wade Noonan from cabinet.^[8]

In September 2023, Carroll was elected deputy party leader following the resignation of Daniel Andrews as Premier and incumbent deputy Jacinta Allan's ascension to the position.^[9]

Electoral history

Personal life

Carroll lives with his wife Fiona and daughter within his electorate.^[6]. He is a supporter of the North Melbourne Football Club. ^[10]

References

1. ^ "Allan Ministry Sworn in". Retrieved 2 October 2023.
2. ^ "Premier of Victoria". Archived 27 September 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
3. ^ "Ben Carroll | Parliament of Victoria". www.parliament.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
4. ^ Lucas, Clay: Niddrie, at least, swings Labor's way, The Age, 26 March 2012.
5. ^ "About Ben". www.bencarroll.com.au. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
6. ^ Eddie, Rachel (27 September 2023). "Victoria’s new deputy premier was ‘always very keen to rise’". The Age. Archived 21 September 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
7. ^ "Member Profile - The Hon. Ben Carroll". parliament.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2020-04-02.
8. ^ Carey, Adam (16 October 2017). "Ben Carroll joins Andrews' cabinet to take on key employment ministry". The Age. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
9. ^ "Ministers of the Crown". 27 September 2023. p. 1–2. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
10. ^ Instagram

External links

• Parliament of Victoria: Members Information