A Strong And Focused Team To Build Homes And Help Families

Today, I am announcing a number of changes to my Cabinet.

These changes back my priorities as Premier – with a sharp focus on building more homes, helping busy families and creating more Victorian jobs.

First, Jaclyn Symes will be our state’s new Treasurer – the first woman to serve in the role.

As Treasurer, she’ll bring new ideas and new energy to the portfolio – ensuring that every dollar of investment is focused on supporting families and frontline services. She will also serve as Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Regional Development.

The Suburban Rail Loop is our state’s biggest transport project – and our nation’s biggest housing project. It’s why Harriet Shing will take on the portfolios of Suburban Rail Loop, Housing and Building, Development Victoria and Precincts – creating a super Ministry aimed squarely at building more homes for families and young people.

We know where those new homes can go thanks to the work of Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny – near train stations and jobs. Now Minister Shing will work closely with industry to get them built.

She will be ably supported by Nick Staikos, who will serve as the new Minister for Consumer Affairs and Local Government – making sure the rights of Victorians are protected and strengthened.

Labor is the party of workers. That’s why we’ll make sure more Victorians have the security, stability, pride and purpose of a good job.

Danny Pearson will take up the mantle of Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, in addition to Minister for Finance. This will ensure a strong and determined focus on delivering the Economic Growth Statement’s actions – because a strong economy means more jobs for Victorian workers and their families.

Helping to make sure Victoria remains at the forefront of future jobs and skills, Colin Brooks will serve as Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, in addition to Creative Industries.

Deputy Premier Ben Carroll will add WorkSafe and the TAC to his portfolios, while remaining the Minister for Education – building on our record investment in schools and making sure every student gets the best education, here in the Education State.

Sonya Kilkenny will serve as our state’s new Attorney General – making sure our justice system continues to hold offenders to account, and keep Victorians safe. She will also retain her role as Minister for Planning.

Anthony Carbines will also continue as Minister for Police, while adding Community Safety and Victims to his responsibilities – ensuring a tough response to crime, and justice for victims.

We’ll continue our Big Build – delivering the projects that will benefit our city and state for years to come.

Gabrielle Williams will lead an integrated transport Ministry, as Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for Public and Active Transport. Gab will oversee the opening of the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel in 2025, while continuing our Government’s ambitious transport agenda, which is creating thousands of jobs and connecting millions of Victorians.

Melissa Horne will help deliver the Labor Government’s rebuild of Victoria’s hospitals, making sure more patients have the reliable care they need close to home, as Minister for Health Infrastructure.

As we head into another high-risk summer, Vicki Ward will serve as Minister for Emergency Services, as well as the newly created role of Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery. She will also add Minister for Equality to her responsibilities.

Nat Hutchins will add Government Services and the Prevention of Family Violence to her portfolios, continuing our efforts to keep women and children safe. She will also continue to lead our Government’s efforts towards a fairer future for Aboriginal Victorians, as Minister for Treaty and First Peoples.

Enver Erdogan will add Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation to his responsibilities, while Natalie Suleyman will serve as Minister for Small Business and Employment.

Gayle Tierney will add Water to her responsibilities and will continue her work as Minister for Skills and TAFE, driving the pipeline of workers Victoria needs to build our growing state.

Steve McGhie will remain as the Cabinet Secretary.

Tim Richardson will serve as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, while Kat Theophanous will become our state’s first Parliamentary Secretary for Renters.

Luba Grigorovitch will also join the team as our new Parliamentary Secretary for Outdoor Recreation – making sure even more Victorians can enjoy our great outdoors.

This is the strong and focused team that will lead our state to 2026, delivering on the issues that matter to Victorian families.

ALLAN MINISTRY | December 2024

Parliamentary Secretaries