New Victorian Cabinet sworn in

New Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan today unveiled the new team which she says will put the State’s bold housing agenda at the core of its work – supporting a target to deliver 800,000 new homes over the next decade.

Deputy Premier, Ben Carroll will become Minister for Education, while also taking on the portfolio of Medical Research.

Tim Pallas will retain his critical responsibilities as Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations, while also taking on an expanded role as Minister for Economic Growth.

Sonya Kilkenny will remain as Minister for Planning and also become Minister for the Suburbs.

Harriet Shing becomes Minister for Housing. She will also retain the Water and Equality portfolios.

Colin Brooks is the new Minister for Development Victoria and Minister for Precincts. He will also become Minister for Creative Industries.

“Reflecting a major new policy priority, Lizzie Blandthorn will become Minister for Children, bringing together the work across government that supports children and families,” said Premier Alla.n.

“This includes the Labor Government’s Best Start, Best Life early childhood education reforms as well as continuing to drive improvements to our child protection system – providing a whole of government focus on child development and wellbeing.”

She will also become Minister for Disability, and maintain her responsibilities as Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

Natalie Hutchins will lead the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions as Minister for Jobs and Industry.

“As Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, she will also take the lead as we work towards Treaty negotiations with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Government’s continuing engagement with the Yoorrook Justice Commission. She remains Minister for Women,” said the Premier.

Ingrid Stitt will become Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Ageing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs. The Multicultural Affairs portfolio moves into the centre of government in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Premier confirmed.

Danny Pearson will become Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, while retaining his responsibilities as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Worksafe and the TAC.

Mary-Anne Thomas will add the Ambulance Services portfolio to her responsibilities as Minister for Health and Minister for Health Infrastructure. She will continue to serve as Leader of the House.

Gabrielle Williams will lead the Department of Government Services as Minister for Government Services. She will also become Minister for Consumer Affairs where she will oversee the Government’s rental reform agenda, and Minister for Public and Active Transport.

Steve Dimopoulos will become Minister for the Environment and Minister for Outdoor Recreation. He will retain his role as Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events.

Gayle Tierney will become Minister for Skills and TAFE and Minister for Regional Development.

Ros Spence will become Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Carers and Volunteers. She will also retain her responsibilities as Minister for Community Sport.

Member for Eltham, Vicki Ward will join the Victorian Cabinet, becoming Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and Minister for Employment.

Lily D’Ambrosio will continue to oversee Victoria’s energy transition as Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources and Minister for the State Electricity Commission.

The Premier said stability in the Justice portfolios has been prioritised with Attorney General and Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines and Minister for Corrections, Enver Erdogan remaining in all of their portfolios.

“Melissa Horne continues her focus on driving down the road toll as Minister for Roads and Road Safety, working with our logistics industry as Minister for Ports and Freight, overseeing councils as Minister for Local Government and tackling the next phase of regulatory reform work as Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation,” said Ms Allan.

Natalie Suleyman remains Minister for Veterans, Minister for Youth and Minister for Small Business.

Steve McGhie remains the Cabinet Secretary.

The ministry will be sworn in today, and be supported in their work by a number of Machinery of Government changes, effective from early 2024.

FIRST ALLAN MINISTRY | October 2023

Parliamentary Secretaries