Victorian taxpayers are paying nearly $1 million a year to Frankie Carroll, the man leading Premier Jacinta Allan’s controversial Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project — a salary that exceeds both the Prime Minister’s and the Premier’s own pay packets.
According to state budget figures, the Suburban Rail Loop Authority chief’s remuneration package for 2024–25 was between $900,000 and $909,999 — roughly $200,000 above the maximum recommended by the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal (VIRT). In addition, the state also covers travel expenses for Mr Carroll’s regular trips between his Brisbane home and Melbourne.
The revelation has sparked political backlash, with Shadow Treasurer Jess Wilson labelling the salary “completely out of step with community expectations”. She accused the Allan government of prioritising high executive pay over investment in essential workers such as police, teachers, and child protection staff.
“When Victorians are struggling with the cost of living, paying close to a million dollars for one executive is indefensible,” Wilson said.
When the role was created in 2020, it was expected to be capped at $480,000 per year, but Mr Carroll’s earnings have soared well beyond that. Government sources attribute the rise to “labour market competition” and accumulated leave entitlements.
The SRL Authority defended the package, arguing that the project — the largest infrastructure development in Victoria’s history — demands specialist expertise. “Senior roles reflect the technical skills needed to deliver a project of national significance,” an SRLA spokesperson said.
Between 2022 and 2025, Carroll’s total pay has surpassed $2.5 million. His salary dwarfs Jacinta Allan’s $512,972 and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s $622,070.
Mr Carroll, a former Queensland Under Treasurer, was previously linked to a corruption probe involving ex–deputy premier Jackie Trad. Although a 2023 report found he was “not appointable” to that role, the inquiry did not find him personally guilty of wrongdoing.
The SRL project, a key Labor initiative, continues to face cost blowouts and criticism over transparency, with mounting concerns about how taxpayer funds are being spent.
