Brief
Victoria premier Ben Carroll pays forgotten petrol bill after police contact
Premier Ben Carroll confirmed he drove away from a service station without paying, was later contacted by police and rectified the mistake.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Victoria Premier Ben Carroll said he drove away from a petrol station on Monday night without paying for fuel and was later contacted by police. He told reporters on Wednesday that he discovered the oversight the following day, returned to the station and settled the bill.
Carroll, 51, explained in a statement that he was "running some errands" when he filled up the car and "forgot to pay". He added that he was "grateful for the team at the servo for their understanding" after fixing the bill.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said the incident was an accidental, non‑deliberate drive‑off and would be treated as a civil matter unless evidence suggested otherwise. He emphasized that civil redress is available and that police aim not to criminalise every such case, while expressing sympathy for petrol‑station owners.
The episode follows a recent alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines in Victoria and comes months after former premier Jacinta Allan warned of rising illegal drive‑offs. Carroll later remarked that the incident shows "politicians are human beings and even premiers make mistakes". Former deputy premier John Thwaites reportedly called Carroll, joking that he also "didn't pay for the petrol" and had taken the nozzle with him, which Carroll said made him feel better.
Key facts
- Ben Carroll drove away from a petrol station without paying on Monday night. (independent.co.uk)
- He was contacted by Victoria police on Tuesday and returned to settle the bill. (independent.co.uk)
- Police Commissioner Mike Bush said the matter is civil, not criminal. (independent.co.uk)
- Carroll said the incident shows politicians are human and can make mistakes. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Australian state leader contacted by police after failing to pay for petrol”
