Jacinta Allan was sworn in as the state's 49th premier, only the second woman to hold the position, on Wednesday after Daniel Andrews announced his resignation on Tuesday.
Ms Allan said she hoped to be judged on her actions, deeds and words.
"I hope Victorians can judge me for who I am," she said on ABC Radio Melbourne on Thursday.
The longest-serving female minister in Australia's history acknowledged women were held to different standards.
"Yes and that is (because) if you look back in history ... there have been historically so few women, even in parliament, let alone in different ministerial and leadership roles," Ms Allan said.
Ms Allan will bring in a new-look government with her reshuffled cabinet to be announced in coming days.
The premier flagged that Tim Pallas, who was initially a contender for deputy premier ahead of Ben Carroll's appointment, would remain treasurer.
The Bendigo East MP also revealed she was surprised when Mr Andrews gave her the heads up he would be leaving.
"I was quite taken aback as when I got a call," she told ABC Melbourne.
"He said 'it's time, it's today'.
"Daniel and I have known each other not just for the time we've served in power together - we go back quite a way.
"I first met him in the in the early to mid '90s and he has been, he is a tremendous friend, has been a tremendous colleague."
Mr Andrews said on Wednesday he couldn't be happier Ms Allan had taken over the top job.
Hundreds of Mr Andrews' critics rallied at parliament house on Wednesday night to mark the end of his leadership, drinking beers and waving flags in what was touted as a 'celebration'.
Opposition Leader John Pesutto said Ms Allan would be leading a divided party with a deputy who wanted her job and didn't think she was up to it.
Victorians got their first look at life after Mr Andrews with Labor's factions "at war" over his replacement, Mr Pesutto said in a statement.
Ms Allan in 1999 became the youngest woman elected to Victoria's parliament at age 25 and three years later was sworn in as the state's youngest minister.
She became Mr Andrews' deputy in June 2022.
Among her portfolios, she was charged with delivering the now-cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games.
A by-election will be held for Mr Andrews' seat of Mulgrave.
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