Cannabis, corruption probes and Daniel Andrews: Ben Carroll says scandals have eroded public trust – how will he fix it?

Victorian premier Ben Carroll in his Niddrie electorate in Melbourne’s west. Photograph: Ellen Smith/The Guardian

Ben Carroll doesn’t believe government officials knew about alleged Big Build corruption – but he does think Daniel Andrews’ dealings with a powerful union have eroded public trust in government.

Sitting at a suburban cafe for a wide-ranging interview with Guardian Australia, the new Victorian premier says he’s open to decriminalising cannabis. He reaffirms his commitment to the state’s treaty with First Nations people and argues that preventing crime is as important as punishing it.