A Government in Transition
Victorian Labor ministers Harriet Shing and Lily D’Ambrosio announced their resignations from the Cabinet on Thursday, July 30, 2026, marking a significant shift for the government under newly installed Premier Ben Carroll. The exits follow the surprise resignation of former Premier Jacinta Allan earlier in the week, leaving the Labor government to manage a major frontbench overhaul ahead of the November state election.
Health Minister Harriet Shing, a close ally of the former Premier, confirmed she would not contest her seat at the upcoming election. In her statement, Shing expressed pride in the government’s achievements, noting that it was time to “pass these opportunities and obligations on to the next person.” Her departure comes amid persistent internal discussions regarding upper house ticket positioning, where she had been viewed as potentially vulnerable.
The End of an Era
The resignation of Lily D’Ambrosio carries particular historical weight. Having served in government for 20 of her 24 years in office, D’Ambrosio is the last remaining minister from the original 2014 Daniel Andrews cabinet. As the state’s longest-serving Energy and Climate Minister, she oversaw a period of rapid transition in Victoria’s power sector, with renewable energy contribution rising from under 11 percent in 2014 to 45 percent today.
Her work received notable recognition from industry stakeholders, including Environment Victoria, which credited her with proving that rapid decarbonization was achievable while saving households significant costs. D’Ambrosio, who represents the seat of Mill Park, expressed hope that a local woman would step forward to contest the seat in her stead.
Political Stakes and Next Steps
Premier Ben Carroll, who assumed the leadership earlier this week, now faces the task of filling three vacancies in his Cabinet. The first was created by the departure of Jacinta Allan, which had already been earmarked for Tim Richardson. The additional departures of Shing and D’Ambrosio create two further vacancies within the Left faction.
The reshuffle is expected to be finalized before the new Cabinet meets on Monday. Beyond the appointments, the government faces immediate pressure to deliver on a new direction promised by Mr. Carroll. Among the first priorities for the reconfigured ministry is the establishment of a royal commission into corruption and criminal activity within the construction sector, specifically involving the CFMEU.
The government remains in a high-stakes environment, with the upcoming November election looming. Political analysts note that the loss of two such experienced ministers—one a key ally of the former Premier and the other a veteran of the Bracks-Brumby and Andrews eras—represents a significant generational transition for the Victorian Labor Party.