ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr has announced a cabinet reshuffle, which includes the appointment of Rachel Stephen-Smith as Deputy Chief Minister, replacing Yvette Berry who stood down from the role following corruption findings against two senior staff by the ACT Integrity Commission last week.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the Ministry had been structured around the priorities that will shape Canberra’s future.
“Canberra is a growing, confident and ambitious city. This Cabinet is focused on building the homes, infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities that a growing city needs,” he said.
“We are continuing to provide strong leadership across housing, economic development, major project delivery, public services, community wellbeing and inclusion. Together, we will continue building a city that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive, and remains one of the best places in the world to live.”
Mr Barr congratulated Ms Stephen-Smith on her election as Deputy Chief Minister. She has also been named the Territory’s new education minister, with the health portfolio moving to Marisa Paterson.
He said the election recognises Ms Stephen-Smith’s extensive experience across some of the Government’s most significant portfolios and her leadership of major reforms in health, disability, community services and finance over many years.
“As a proud product of Canberra’s public education system, I’m looking forward to working with students, families, teachers and other key staff and stakeholders to deliver the structural reforms that will set our schools up for generations to come,” said Ms Stephen-Smith.
“In the new Child Development and Wellbeing portfolio, my focus will be on building a network of services that meet families where they’re at and sets all children up for the brightest possible future.
“I’m ready to get stuck in with Andrew and the Labor Team to deliver for children, families and the wider Canberra community.”
As Chief Minister, Mr Barr will retain responsibility for economic development, trade, investment and the knowledge economy.
The Major Projects portfolio will bring together oversight of Canberra’s most significant city-shaping initiatives, including strategic infrastructure, urban renewal and precinct development projects. Through responsibility for Infrastructure Canberra, the City Renewal Authority and the Suburban Land Agency, the Chief Minister will drive an integrated approach to planning and delivering Canberra’s future growth, the Government said in a statement.
Mr Barr said economic development remained one of the Government’s central priorities.
“The ACT’s future prosperity will be built on new industries, innovation, investment and skills. We will continue to position Canberra as Australia’s innovation capital, support emerging industries and advanced technology sectors, strengthen our connections with global markets and create the jobs and opportunities of the future,” he said.
The reshuffle also included the elevation of Brindabella MLA, Caitlin Tough, to Cabinet.
“Caitlin brings energy, policy capability and a strong connection to her local community. Her appointment strengthens the Government and ensures every ACT electorate is represented in Cabinet. As a proud Tuggeranong resident, Caitlin will bring important perspectives to the Government’s decision-making and help ensure the interests of Canberra’s south continue to be strongly represented around the Cabinet table,” Mr Barr said.
New Minister ,Caitlin Tough said she was honoured to take on the role of a Minister in the ACT Government.
“I look forward to serving the people of Canberra, no matter a person’s background,” she said.
“My commitment to Brindabella remains unwavering, and I will continue working every day to deliver the outcomes our community deserves. It is a privilege to represent Tuggeranong in the Cabinet and bring the voice of Brindabella back to the table.”
Dr Marisa Paterson will oversee the ACT’s health system and lead the next phase of work to improve access to healthcare, reduce pressures on the hospital system and strengthen health services for a growing population.
“I would like to thank Rachel Stephen-Smith for her work in this space over the last 7 years, I am honoured to have the opportunity to advance this work as Minister. I look forward to working with our community and our health workforce to build on the great work already underway and support better outcomes for Canberrans. I am also excited to meet the dedicated staff across ACT Health, Canberra Health Services and all other health workers in the ACT,” she said in a statement.
New portfolios will come into effect on Thursday 30 July 2026. The first meeting of the new Cabinet will be held on Wednesday 5 August.
The new ACT Cabinet line up is:
Andrew Barr
Chief Minister
Minister for Trade, Investment and the Knowledge Economy
Minister for Tourism and Events
Minister for Major Projects
Rachel Stephen-Smith
Deputy Chief Minister
Minister for Education
Minister for Child Development and Wellbeing
Minister for Finance
Minister for the Public Service
Minister for Health Infrastructure
Chris Steel
Treasurer
Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development
Minister for Sport and Recreation
Minister for Heritage
Tara Cheyne
Manager of Government Business
Attorney-General
Minister for City and Government Services
Minister for Transport
Suzanne Orr
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Minister for Housing and Homelessness
Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water
Minister for Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity
Minister for Equality
Michael Pettersson
Minister for Business and Industry
Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations
Minister for Arts, Creative Industries and the Night-Time Economy
Minister for Children, Youth and Families
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Marisa Paterson
Minister for Health
Minister for Mental Health
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
Minister for Gaming Reform
Caitlin Tough
Minister for Human Rights
Minister for Community Services
Minister for Corrections
Minister for Women, Seniors and Veterans
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence.
