Victorian Ministry Revealed

29 November 2018

Premier Daniel Andrews has revealed his new ministry, which notably comprises an equal number of men and women in the 22-person Cabinet. Mr Andrews confirmed on Tuesday those who had been selected to sit in his new Cabinet, while today announcing the allocation of portfolios following the Labor Party’s thumping election victory on Saturday. In announcing the new-look line up, the Premier emphasised that his Cabinet reflects a “strong, progressive and united team” that would “not waste a single day”.

Deputy Premier James Merlino remains Minister for Education, and Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council. Close ally of the Premier, Gavin Jennings, will keep his role as Special Minister of State, while also being appointed Minister for Priority Precincts and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Treasurer Tim Pallas continues as the State’s primary economic Minister, and also adds the titles of Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Industrial Relations, broadening the scope of his role.

Jacinta Allan becomes the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, with responsibility for the Level Crossing Removal Program, North East Link, West Gate Tunnel, Metro Tunnel and Suburban Rail Loop. Her former Public Transport portfolio will go to newly elected Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne, who also picks up Ports and Freight off Luke Donnellan. Minister Donnellan’s focus has shifted to social policy, taking on the role of Minister for Child Protection, while also becoming the first ever dedicated Minister for Victorian carers, in the role of Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers.

Jill Hennessy has been appointed Victorian Labor’s first female Attorney-General, as well as the Minister for Workplace Safety, while Jenny Mikakos picks up Ms Hennessy’s former portfolio of Health and Ambulance Services. Newly appointed Cabinet Minister and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Jaclyn Symes becomes Minister for Regional Development; Agriculture; and Resources – although the Premier has noted this will only occur after the Victorian Electoral Commission declares her election.

Other new faces in the Cabinet include Gabrielle Williams as Minister for Prevention of Family Violence; Women; and Youth, and Adem Somyurek as Minister for Local Government; and Small Business. Martin Pakula adds the significant portfolios of Jobs, Innovation and Trade; and Tourism, Sport and Major Events to his existing responsibility as Minister for Racing, while shedding his former role of Attorney-General. Ben Carroll has been appointed as Minister for Crime Prevention; Corrections; Youth Justice; and Victim Support, while Jaala Pulford becomes Minister for Roads; Road Safety and the TAC; and Fishing and Boating.

A group of longstanding senior Labor ministers retain their portfolios from the last Parliament, some with additions. Richard Wynne continues as Minister for Planning, in addition to becoming Minister for Housing; and Multicultural Affairs. Robin Scott continues as Assistant Treasurer and picks up the Veterans portfolio, while Gayle Tierney stays on as Minister for Training and Skills, gaining the new portfolio of Higher Education.

Marlene Kairouz remains as Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation and takes the role of Minister for Suburban Development off Lily D’Ambrosio, who becomes Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change as well as Minister for Solar Homes. Martin Foley adds the title of Minister for Mental Health alongside his existing portfolios as Minister for Equality; and Creative Industries.

Meanwhile, the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources will be unsurprisingly split from 1 January next year to two separate departments, namely the Department of Transport; and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

The full ministry list is available here.