Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 20 October 2024
New Tasmanian Government ministry announced
Two new Ministers have joined the Tasmanian Liberal Government Ministry, with Deputy Premier, Guy Barnett becoming Tasmania’s Treasurer.
The new Cabinet will continue the delivery of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, which takes action on the things that matter to Tasmanians, like cost of living, health and housing.
As the Government approaches the 200 day mark since being elected for a historic fourth term, I am confident that the refreshed Cabinet will keep Tasmania moving forward.
Deputy Premier, Guy Barnett will become Tasmania’s Treasurer, and retain the positions of Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
As Treasurer, Guy will ensure that we continue to foster economic growth and activity and promote a business-friendly investment environment.
Since we took office, the Tasmanian economy has grown significantly and as Treasurer Guy will continue our focus on economic development and job creation.
Two new Ministers have been welcomed to our Cabinet, bringing with them enormous life experience spanning decades: Jacquie Petrusma and Kerry Vincent.
Jacquie Petrusma will become the Minister for Health, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
Jacquie is an experienced Minister having previously held various portfolios including human services, parks and environment, and police.
As a Registered Nurse, Jacquie will bring with her an intimate knowledge of the challenges that our health system faces and an awareness of the inner workings of our hospitals like no other.
Jacquie has also previously held the portfolio of Aboriginal Affairs and has established relationships with the aboriginal community.
Kerry Vincent will become Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Local Government.
As the former Mayor of Sorell, Kerry played an instrumental role in the transformation of Sorell which has seen the construction and delivery of generational infrastructure for his constituents, in partnership with State and Federal Governments.
Kerry will be a real driver of better outcomes for a number of key infrastructure projects across the State.
Kerry has a wealth of experience in local government and fully understands the challenges and opportunities it faces.
As Premier, I will retain the portfolios of Tourism, Trade and Major Investment.
Minister Nick Duigan will retain the portfolios Energy & Renewables, Parks and assume the role of Minister for Sports and Events.
Minister Ellis will take on Consumer Affairs.
Minister Howlett will take on the portfolios of Hospitality and Small Business.
Minister Roger Jaensch will take on Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Finance.
Minister Madeleine Ogilvie will take on Environment and the portfolio of Science and Technology will be incorporated into a new portfolio of Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy.
Minister Palmer will take on the role of Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence.
The role of Parliamentary Secretary’s are incredibly important and provide additional support to Minister’s in their portfolios.
Simon Wood will remain as Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Government Whip.
Simon Behrakis will become my Parliamentary Secretary. Simon and I will work closely together to deliver the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
He will also continue his support for Minister Ellis as Parliamentary Secretary for Housing and Planning.
Rob Fairs will become Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Engagement, providing additional support for Roger Jaensch in his capacity as Minister for Children and Youth.
This new Cabinet will continue to face challenges head on and deliver on our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
Media release – Josh Willie MP, Shadow Treasurer, 20 October 2024
Failed ministers promoted as Premier checks out
After 10 years in office, the Liberals have completely run out of new ideas and the Premier has checked out.
Today’s reshuffle shows failure is no barrier to promotion in Jeremy Rockliff’s Cabinet – in fact, it seems to be a prerequisite – with several failed ministers given even bigger responsibilities.
Former energy minister Guy Barnett has been promoted to Treasury, despite failing to deliver a single new project in his former role, overseeing a multi-billion dollar blowout on Project Marinus and causing massive power price rises for Tasmanian families and businesses. His promotion does not inspire any confidence the Liberals are serious about fixing the budget crisis they have created.
Jacquie Petrusma has been recycled back into one of the biggest jobs in government, despite a track record of being fired for letting down children and misleading Parliament. It is a very surprising appointment in the wake of the Commission of Inquiry and shows just how shallow the Premier’s talent pool has become.
The reshuffle also shows the Premier has checked out and isn’t interested in having responsibility for serious issues.
Less than two months on from saying he was going to take over the infrastructure portfolio and fix the Spirits, Premier Jeremy Rockliff has handballed the ministry to newcomer Kerry Vincent. It’s just like when he ditched Health after saying it was so important to him he would retain it as Premier, and when he dropped Economic Development after saying his focus would be solely on growing the economy.
The Premier clearly isn’t interested in taking charge of Tasmania’s biggest issues, and has effectively given up on his own government.
After 10 years of the Liberals, Tasmanians deserve better.
