Victoria’s Health Minister Jenny Mikakos will serve as Deputy Leader in the Legislative Council following an announcement made today.
“It is a great honour to continue serving Victorians as their Minister for Health and Ambulance Services and now as the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council,” Minister Mikakos told Neos Kosmos.
“I take this new leadership role very seriously and look forward to further contributing to important, lasting change.
“At the moment my absolute focus is on ensuring that we are doing everything possible to prepare our state for the coronavirus pandemic.”
Member for Yuroke, Ros Spence, joined the Andrews Labor Government cabinet following the retirement of Gavin Jennings. Before entering the Cabinet, Ms Spence held roles as Parliamentary Secretary for Road Infrastructure and Parliamentary Secretary for Roads, and she also served as Government Whip in the Legislative Assembly for two years following her election in 2014. She will now take on the portfolios of Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport and Youth.
Other changes to the ministry will see Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and Women Gabrielle Williams add Aboriginal Affairs to her responsibilities.
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Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan will now also serve as the Minister for Priority Precincts.
Jaclyn Symes will become Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council and Jenny Mikakos will serve as Deputy Leader.
“Ros has been a tireless advocate for her community and will be a strong addition to our Cabinet team,” said Victoria’s Premier Dan Andrews.
“I look forward to working with Ros and my Cabinet colleagues to deliver on our promises and build a stronger, fairer Victoria.”