Victoria’s new Premier Ben Carroll has promised a major reset of the state government, distancing his administration from the controversial legacy of former premier Daniel Andrews and pledging tougher cabinet processes and closer ties with the business community.

In an interview with The Australian, Mr Carroll said he was “deeply sorry” for failures uncovered during the Andrews government and promised there would “never ever” be another secret hotel-room deal conducted behind a minister’s back.

His comments follow findings by Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission into dealings involving the United Firefighters Union and former emergency services minister Jane Garrett, who died in 2022.

Mr Carroll said former minister Lisa Neville and senior bureaucrat Tony Bates must consider their positions in light of the findings. Mr Bates has taken leave from his role as secretary of the Department of Education, while Ms Neville remains chair of Barwon Health and Greater Western Water.

The Premier said his government had moved from the Andrews era’s “Big Build” to what he called a “big reset”, with a focus on rebuilding trust in government processes and improving relations with Victoria’s business sector.

He also suggested he could reconsider plans for a taxpayer-funded statue of Mr Andrews, saying his priority was to build schools and hospitals rather than monuments to politicians.

Mr Carroll has committed to implementing all recommendations from IBAC, including changes to the definition of corrupt conduct.

He also signalled possible economic changes ahead of the November state election, including a potential mini-budget or economic statement and discussions around payroll and land taxes.

Infrastructure priorities are also shifting. Mr Carroll declared Melbourne Airport Rail the state’s number one project and indicated the controversial Suburban Rail Loop East would proceed more gradually and transparently.

He said the government needed to listen more closely to Labor’s traditional supporters in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.

Mr Carroll also ruled out privatising Melbourne’s water assets, saying they would remain publicly owned before and after the election.

The Premier’s comments mark a clear attempt to establish a new political identity for Labor in Victoria while addressing the controversies that have dominated the party’s recent years in government.