Labor Unveils New Ministry

Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader, 11 August 2025

Labor Cabinet announcement

Today I am pleased to announce Labor’s Government Ministry should we secure the support of the cross bench next week.

This team reflects Labor’s commitment to stability, accountability, and good governance.

To support a minority Parliament with an expanded cross bench of progressive members, Ella Haddad will be appointed Special Minister of State – a newly created position focused on ensuring the 52nd Parliament delivers stable and collaborative government.

Josh Willie will take on the important role of Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly, while Craig Farrell will lead the Government in the Legislative Council.

Janie Finlay will take responsibility for Tasmania’s natural resources, bringing together Environment, Parks & Climate Change and Primary Industries & Aquaculture portfolios under a single Minister.

Independent Member for Murchison Ruth Forrest will serve as Treasurer in a Labor Government. Ruth brings integrity, experience, and a deep understanding of Tasmania’s finances to this critical portfolio.

Our Cabinet has been designed to align Ministries with departmental responsibilities, reducing duplication and enhancing coordination across government.

This Ministry brings together diverse experience and skill sets, and is full of talented people ready to get to work and provide the leadership Tasmania needs.

Statement from Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader, 10 August 2025

Highly respected Independent Member for Murchison Ruth Forrest will become Treasurer in a Dean Winter Labor Government.

Ms Forrest has championed the need for budget repair for many years now, and I am pleased she has accepted my invitation to take up the role should the House of Assembly crossbench decide to support a Labor Government on 19 August.

After 11 years of a Liberal Government Tasmania’s net debt is on track to reach $13 billon.

Fixing the budget mess is the greatest challenge ahead for the next Parliament. It is clear that to make a difference, the next government needs to approach things differently.

The task of fixing the budget transcends party politics. Tough decisions will be need to be made through consensus building and collaboration. We will do this by taking an holistic approach to avoid shocks to the people or businesses, large and small, in Tasmania seeking input from across all areas.

After years of Liberal secrecy surrounding the budget, it can only be a benefit to Tasmania to have a respected, independent voice at the decision making table.

As the most recent chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Ms Forrest has a tremendous understanding of the enormity of the task at hand, and the ins-and-outs of the position Tasmania’s budget finds itself in.

This decision builds on Labor’s commitment to ensuring this Parliament can operate in a collaborative and cooperative way for the best interests of the state.

When it comes to fixing the budget, the choice couldn’t be clearer. A tired Liberal Government which less than a month ago told Tasmanians that net debt was modest and sustainable, or an energetic Labor party which has demonstrated it won’t shy away from the enormous task ahead.

Statements from Ruth Forrest MLC

Fixing Tasmania’s fiscal mess should be the first order of business for this Parliament. It has been a core area of my focus for a number of years now and I welcome the opportunity to play an active role in turning the ship around.

Should the opportunity to become Treasurer become a reality, I will maintain my independence as a Member of Parliament and of course, maintain the important rules related to Cabinet solidarity, Cabinet confidence and Collective Decision-making.

It is no secret that collaboration between all members of the 52nd Tasmanian Parliament is the secret to making sure it can last the distance, and I am ready to play my part.

I have a strong track record of working collaboratively in the role of Chair of a number of Parliamentary Committees, including Joint House Committees such as the Joint Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

I look forward to implementing my knowledge and relationships across the parliament to get better outcomes for Tasmania.

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