Victoria’s new cabinet ministers were sworn in on Monday at Government House after being elected unopposed at a Labor caucus meeting on Saturday.
The new cabinet ministers, Lizzie Blandthorn, Steve Dimopoulos, Harriet Shing, and Colin Brooks were sworn in by Governor Linda Dessau in a ceremony at Government House on Monday afternoon.
The new ministers came in after former deputy premier James Merlino, health minister Martin Foley, industry support minister Martin Pakula and police minister Lisa Neville stepped down on Friday, along with retiring planning minister Richard Wynne, prompting the reshuffle.
Long-serving Labor minister Jacinta Allan was appointed Victoria’s deputy premier under a deal, backed by Premier Daniel Andrews.
Steve Dimopoulos in a statement to Neos Kosmos said that he was “honoured to have been sworn in as Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Minister for Creative Industries.”
He thanked the premier and his colleagues for placing their trust in him.
“This job is never about titles or positions – “it’s about the people we represent – the people who put us here.”
Mr Dimopoulos said everyone that comes into parliament “should have in their heart a goal of improving things for others.”
He thanked his electorate of Oakleigh, which he has represented since 2014, which had given him “the greatest pleasure in being able to represent the community in which I grew up in, still live and love.”
“Australia is a place where everyone’s dreams, hopes and aspirations are equal and have value, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
He linked his ascendency to past Greek Australian ministers who paved the way.
“I have always been grateful for the opportunities that have been made possible by those who came before me. People with names like Pandazopoulos, Mikakos, Dalidakis, Theophanous, Kotsiras and Andrianopoulos.
“We would have never become the largest city with a Greek population outside of Greece unless we were a place that was inclusive. This is the diversity that is Victoria,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
As the “proud son of Greek migrants” Dimopoulos said that as Greek Australians we should “always be reminded of where we come from, our history, and Australia’s significant and ongoing connection with Greece – a connection forged in two world wars and built upon even more with migration.”
Mr Dimopoulos thanked his family for the “sacrifices” they have made and “continue to make to give us a better life.”
I will continue to do everything I can to follow their example to represent and create the same opportunities for my community and all of Victoria.
Former health minister Jenny Mikakos issued a statement of congratulations in which she said she was very happy that her “friend Steve Dimopoulos is now a Minister.”
Ms Mikakos said that both had worked together on many issues, “including those of importance to our Greek community.”
“I remember fondly announcing funding for a Greek preschool program at Oakleigh Grammar School with Steve.
“I know he will bring his characteristic excitement and energy to his new portfolios and wish him well,” Ms Mikakos said.