Premier Daniel Andrews has remodelled his cabinet at the start of his third term, with former planning minister Lizzie Blandthorn stripped of her portfolio due to possible conflict-of-interest issues with her lobbyist brother.
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman will become Victoria’s first female Muslim minister.
However the major reshuffle six months ago means that most ministers will retain their portfolios. Andrews was forced into making changes following the resignation of one minister just before caretaker mode, and Blandthorn’s move from the lower to the upper house.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas will become leader of the house after Blandthorn vacated her lower house seat of Pascoe Vale to move to a safer seat in the Legislative Council. Steve Dimopoulos the Oakleigh MP, remains as minister for creative industries and sports. Dimopoulos was one of those elevated into the ministry in July.
Colin Brooks moves into housing and multicultural affairs, Lily D’Ambrosio takes on climate action, energy, and resources, and has been charged with delivering on the government’s State Electricity Commission promise. Ingrid Stitt has taken on her environment responsibilities.
Newly appointed minister Enver Erdogan will become responsible for corrections, youth justice and victim support, and Sonya Kilkenny takes on planning and outdoor recreation. Thomas will retain health but take on health infrastructure and medical research, while Gabrielle Williams will add ambulance services to her portfolio.
Suleyman, Victoria’s first female Muslim minister, will hold the portfolios of veterans, small business, and youth. Gayle Tierney will add agriculture to her existing responsibilities.
Senior minister Ben Carroll takes on the portfolios of industry and innovation, manufacturing sovereignty and employment, while he retains his existing role as public transport minister.
Melissa Horne adds roads and road safety to her responsibilities. Harriet Shing, the minister for water, regional development, Commonwealth Games legacy and equality, will not be sworn in until counting in the Legislative Council finishes.
According to the latest count on the ABC website, Shing is on track to retain her upper house seat.
The premier will have responsibility for her portfolios until the count is finalised.
Shaun Leane, who was dumped from cabinet due to factional reasons, will become president of the upper house.