Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced her new cabinet. Photo: File.
Premier Jacinta Allan has unveiled her new team and pledged to put Victoria’s “bold housing agenda” at the core of its work – supporting the Labor Government’s target to deliver 800,000 new homes over the next decade.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll will become Minister for Education. He will also become Minister for Medical Research, continuing the state’s work as a global leader in the sector.
Tim Pallas will retain his responsibilities as Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations. Reflecting his ongoing work to drive productivity and growth, he will take on an expanded role as Minister for Economic Growth.
Sonya Kilkenny will retain her responsibilities as Minister for Planning and also become Minister for the Suburbs as she continues to drive a package of planning reforms from Victoria’s Housing Statement – clearing the backlog of approvals, making sure decisions are made faster and guiding the way Victorian suburbs grow.
Harriet Shing will become Minister for Housing, overseeing the Big Housing Build as well as Australia’s biggest urban renewal project across Melbourne’s high-rise public housing estates – delivering 10 per cent more social homes as a result. She will also retain the Water and Equality portfolios.
Colin Brooks will continue to play a significant role in the implementation of the Housing Statement, becoming Minister for Development Victoria and Minister for Precincts. He will also become Minister for Creative Industries.
Reflecting a major new policy priority, Lizzie Blandthorn will become Minister for Children, bringing together the work across government that supports children and families.
This includes the Labor Government’s Best Start, Best Life early childhood education reforms as well as continuing to drive improvements to the child protection system – providing a whole of government focus on child development and wellbeing. She will also become Minister for Disability, and maintain her responsibilities as Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.
Natalie Hutchins will lead the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions as Minister for Jobs and Industry. As Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, she will also take the lead working towards Treaty negotiations with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the government’s continuing engagement with the Yoorrook Justice Commission. She remains Minister for Women.
Ingrid Stitt will become Minister for Mental Health. She will also become Minister for Ageing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, with a renewed focus on supporting and engaging with Victoria’s culturally diverse communities as the Multicultural Affairs portfolio moves into the centre of government in the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Danny Pearson will become Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop. He will retain his responsibilities as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Worksafe and the TAC.
Mary-Anne Thomas will add the Ambulance Services portfolio to her responsibilities as Minister for Health and Minister for Health Infrastructure. She will continue to serve as Leader of the House.
Gabrielle Williams will lead the Department of Government Services as Minister for Government Services. She will also become Minister for Consumer Affairs where she will oversee the government’s rental reform agenda, and Minister for Public and Active Transport, in recognition that walking and cycling are key to liveability in Victoria’s growing suburbs.
Steve Dimopoulos will become Minister for the Environment and Minister for Outdoor Recreation. He will retain his role as Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events.
Gayle Tierney will become Minister for Skills and TAFE, she will also become Minister for Regional Development, bringing her extensive experience as a regional MP to supporting rural and regional communities.
Ros Spence will become Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Carers and Volunteers, as well as retaining her responsibilities as Minister for Community Sport.
Member for Eltham Vicki Ward will join Cabinet, becoming Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and Minister for Employment.
Lily D’Ambrosio will continue to oversee Victoria’s energy transition as Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources and Minister for the State Electricity Commission.
Stability in the Justice portfolios has been prioritised with Attorney General and Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Police Anthony Carbines and Minister for Corrections Enver Erdogan remaining in all of their portfolios.
Melissa Horne continues her focus on driving down the road toll as Minister for Roads and Road Safety, working with the logistics industry as Minister for Ports and Freight, overseeing
councils as Minister for Local Government and tackling the next phase of regulatory reform work as Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation.
Natalie Suleyman remains Minister for Veterans, Minister for Youth and Minister for Small Business while Steve McGhie remains the Cabinet Secretary.
