Dave Hughes has never been one to keep his opinions to himself.
And now the outspoken comedian, 55, is making a remarkable new claim: that Victoria’s newly installed Premier Ben Carroll is a terribly Keep a close eye on his social media rants.
Speaking on the Daily Mail’s The Debrief with Savanna Young podcast about the political turmoil in the state, Hughes suggested the new leader appeared to be repeating messages he has been promoting online for months.
“I feel like he’s watching my Instagram,” Hughes said.
The comedian claimed he had recently noticed the Prime Minister promoting a message about respecting taxpayers’ money, something Hughes said reflects the arguments he has been making publicly.
“He seems to be paying attention to what I’m saying because he’s repeating a lot of what I’m saying,” Hughes insisted.
Dave Hughes, 55, claims Victoria’s new Premier Ben Carroll may have been paying a lot of attention to his social media
According to Hughes, the government’s message signals a recognition that public resources belong to Victorians rather than politicians.
While Hughes welcomed Mr. Carroll’s rhetoric, he questioned whether voters would be convinced that meaningful change is coming.
And in an extraordinary claim, Hughes suggested his outspoken criticism of the Victorian government may have played a role in the downfall of former Prime Minister Jacinta Allan.
Allan, 52, resigned as premier in July after losing the support of the Labor caucus, despite claiming she could still win November’s state election.
Carroll, 51, has now taken over the state’s top job as Labor faces a difficult election campaign as the party struggles in the polls ahead of the November election.
“I think I’ve made a big difference in Victoria,” Hughes stated.
“If I hadn’t been as vocal as I have been, I think Jacinta Allan would still be Premier of Victoria. Serious.’
The comedian acknowledged that others may disagree with his assessment, but insisted his public campaigns had an impact on the political landscape.
Hughesy suggested his outspoken criticism of the Victorian government may have played a role in the downfall of former Prime Minister Jacinta Allan. Pictured left with current Victorian Premier Ben Carroll
Hughes also pointed to comments made by the new Prime Minister on his first day in the top job, particularly comments on integrity and leadership.
The former radio star argued that these comments amounted to implicit criticism of previous governments, a point he made during his lengthy political commentary.
‘He said, ‘I’m not Dan Andrews, I’m not Jacinta Allan. So I’m not the last two prime ministers under the government, I lead with integrity. Integrity will not be optional.’ That’s what he said,” Hughesy quoted Carroll as saying.
“So the man who watched the last two prime ministers behind closed doors said that if he is in charge, integrity will not be optional, which means that integrity was optional under those two leaders. It’s a big thing to say.
Despite expressing some optimism about the new leadership’s message, Hughesy remained deeply skeptical about the ruling party’s prospects ahead of the next state election.
He said Carroll faces an uphill battle convincing Victorians the government has changed course.
“He has two months to try to convince the public that the government can be trusted,” Hughesy said.
The comedian also backed the Victorian Liberals and revealed he has gone ‘everything he can’ for the opposition.
He specifically praised Liberal leader Jess Wilson (pictured behind Hughes), describing her as “reasonable” and “fair” after attending a Liberal meeting with her in Geelong last month.
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He specifically praised Liberal Leader Jess Wilson, describing her as “reasonable” and “fair” after attending a Liberal meeting with her in Geelong last month.
Hughesy also argued Victorians should consider giving the opposition a chance, while emphasizing he would remain willing to change his position if future policies fail to impress him.
“Jess Wilson is a young woman. She is in her mid-thirties. Young mother. I’ve met her a few times. I did a gig with her in Geelong,” he added.
“I think Victoria should give her a chance, and this time the Libs too.”
While political pundits may debate the true extent of his influence, Hughes himself seems confident that his voice is being heard in the corridors of power.
But did his self-proclaimed influence push him to run for politics?
His surprising answer and the full explosive interview can be heard on the latest episode of The Debrief with Savanna Young – now available on the Daily Mail’s YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes delivered weekly.
