Victorian Cabinet Reshuffle
Following the Labor Government’s re-election, Victorian Premier Steve Bracks today announced a major Cabinet reshuffle to reflect his Government’s third term agenda focusing on education, public transport, climate change and mental health. The new Cabinet includes six new members.
Deputy Premier John Thwaites’ takes responsibility for the new expanded water, environment and climate change portfolio. The Premier also announced the creation of a new Office of Climate Change within the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and a new Office of Water within the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
John Lender relinquishes the Finance portfolio to become Minister for Education, while Jacinta Allan will continue in the Education Services portfolio, revamped to include a greater emphasis on skills.
Lynne Kosky becomes the Minister for Public Transport, dropping her previous Education portfolio. New member Tim Pallas has been fast-tracked to the Cabinet, taking responsibility for Roads and Ports.
Lisa Neville moves from the backbench to become Victoria’s first Minister for Mental Health. Premier Bracks also announced that a new Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Treatment Division will be created in the Department of Human Services.
Justin Madden drops the Sport and Recreation portfolio and becomes the Minster for Planning. James Merlino has joined the frontbench and becomes the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs
Former Cabinet Secretary Richard Wynne has been promoted to the Ministry with responsibility for Housing and Local Government. Former Parliamentary Secretaries Joe Helper and Daniel Andrews have also joined the Cabinet.
New Member of the Legislative Council, Evan Thornley, takes on the newly created position of Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, with a focus on the National Reform Agenda.
Full lists of the Ministerial and Parliamentary Secretary responsibilities follow:
Victorian Cabinet
| Name | Portfolio Responsibilities |
| Steve Bracks | Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs Minister for Veterans’ Affairs |
| John Thwaites | Deputy Premier Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change |
| Jacinta Allan | Minister for Skills, Education Services and Employment Minister for Women’s Affairs |
| Daniel Andrews | Minister for Gaming Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs |
| Peter Batchelor | Minister for Energy and Resources Minister for Victorian Communities Manager of Government Business Legislative Assembly |
| John Brumby | Treasurer Minister for Regional and Rural Development Minister for Innovation |
| Bob Cameron | Minister for Police and Emergency Services Minister for Corrections |
| Joe Helper | Minister for Agriculture |
| Tim Holding | Minister for Finance (incl WorkCover/Transport Accident Commission) Minister for Tourism Minister for Information and Communication Technology |
| Rob Hulls | Attorney-General Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for Racing |
| Gavin Jennings | Minister for Community Services Minister for Aboriginal Affairs |
| Lynne Kosky | Minister for Public Transport Minister for the Arts |
| John Lenders | Minister for Education Manager of Government Business Legislative Council |
| James Merlino | Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs |
| Justin Madden | Minister for Planning |
| Lisa Nevillez | Minister for Mental Health Minister for Children Minister for Aged Care |
| Tim Pallas | Minister for Roads and Ports |
| Bronwyn Pike | Minister for Health |
| Theo Theophanous | Minister for Industry and State Development Minister for Major Projects Minister for Small Business |
| Richard Wynne | Minister for Housing Minister for Local Government |
Parliamentary Secretaries
| Name | Responsibility |
| Liz Beattie | Planning |
| Elaine Carbines | Premier, Arts |
| Lily D’Ambrosio | Victorian Communities |
| Kaye Darveniza | Regional Development |
| Danielle Green | Emergency Services |
| Ben Hardman | Agriculture |
| Steve Herbert | Environment |
| Rob Hudson | Infrastructure |
| Telmo Languiller | Multicultural Affairs |
| Tony Lupton | Industry and Innovation |
| Jenny Mikakos | Justice |
| Maxine Morand | Health |
| Martin Pakula | Transport |
| Fiona Richardson | Education |
| Evan Thornley | Premier (National Reform Agenda) |