The new Queensland premier, Steven Miles, has promoted five fresh faces into his first cabinet, with most of his 19-member team sworn in on Monday morning.
The member for Aspley Bart Mellish takes transport, main roads, and digital services. Nikki Boyd, the member for Pine Rivers, has disaster recovery and corrective services.
Michael Healy is the new minister for tourism and sport, and Lance McCallum will head employment, small business, and training. McCallum’s elevation means that there are now two First Nations ministers in the Queensland cabinet.
The Greek Australian, member for Jordan, Charis Mullen (nee Naoumis), was granted three portfolios: child safety, seniors and disability services, multicultural affairs
After being sworn in on Monday, Mullen posted posted a photo of herself with the new premier Miles and new deputy premier and finance minister, Cameron Dick on her Facebook saying she was “honoured” to be asked by Miles to represent the “most vulnerable” in Queensland. She brandished her multicultural credentials as the “daughter of migrants.”
“As the daughter of migrants, I am thrilled to be the new Minister for Multicultural Affairs. I want to ensure that all Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can fully contribute to our economy and the community,” Mullen posted.
She said Queensland is at its best when it is “unified, harmonious, and inclusive.”
In an interview with Neos Kosmos, the newly minted minister said, “Labor has been a dear friend to Greek communities when many have not.”
Mullen’s father, Leonidas Naoumis, is a stalwart in the city’s Greek Community and AHEPA. He has carved out a significant profile as a broadcast journalist for Queensland’s SBS Greek Radio program and has written for this masthead.
On Monday, Miles sworn in as Queensland’s 40th Premier, said: “I want Queenslanders to know that every member of my government is on their side and will work day and night to deliver a better Queensland.”
“My Ministers know what is important to me and Queenslanders – easing the pressures of the cost of living, providing better health care and housing, and keeping our communities safe.”
“With new faces come new ideas, which is exactly what we need as we enter the new year.”
“I want to thank the new ministers, Nikki, Bart, Lance, Charis and Michael, for welcoming us to their new responsibilities. I have every confidence that they will be influential leaders.
“My team will get to work to bring our great State together and deliver what matters most to Queenslanders.”
