Australian comedian Dave Hughes has characterized the first address by new Victorian Premier Ben Carroll as both "honest" and "chilling," particularly noting the premier's sharp criticism of his predecessors.

In a social media post, Hughes, 55, highlighted Carroll's statements that "integrity will not be optional" under his leadership and that he is "not Daniel Andrews" or "not Jacinta Allan." Hughes expressed skepticism, pointing out that Carroll has been part of the government for the entire 12 years of Labor's tenure in Victoria.

"This is what he said. He said, 'In the government I lead, integrity will not be optional. I'm not Dan Andrews. I'm not Jacinta Allan.' They're the words he used," Hughes stated. "He's been there the whole time. The whole 12 years. He's watched every single move they've made. And what's the first thing he says?"

Hughes implied that Carroll's remarks alluded to significant financial issues, referencing "the missing billions and billions and billions of dollars." He added, "The man who watched it all said in the government he leads, integrity will not be optional. I hope he's right."

Carroll, sworn in as Victoria's 50th premier, explicitly stated his intention to lead the government in a "new direction." He declared that integrity would be paramount and that there would be "zero tolerance for those who misuse their positions."

As a first action, Carroll announced his intention to call a Royal Commission into the construction sector, following a scandal related to the state's "Big Build" project. Hughes, however, admitted to hoping Carroll does not win the upcoming state election, despite his assessment of the premier's frankness.

"He just told everyone that the critics were right," Hughes wrote in the caption of his post. "He basically said he's witnessed 12 years of corruption when he said this: 'I'm not Dan Andrews and I'm not Jacinta Allan,' then, 'Under a government I lead, integrity will not be optional.'"

Hughes also noted Carroll's pledge to "respect each dollar of public money he spends and make sure it benefits all."