Victoria’s ambitious transport infrastructure agenda has a new leader as Premier Jacinta Allan announced her cabinet lineup. This significant reshuffle comes on the heels of Allan’s appointment as the Premier following the unexpected resignation of Daniel Andrews.
As the new ministry was sworn in at Government House on Monday, Premier Jacinta Allan passed the responsibility for the state’s multi-billion-dollar construction program to Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson. Allan had previously overseen the transport infrastructure and Suburban Rail Loop portfolios before her elevation to the premiership.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, who vied for the deputy premier role, now takes on the role of Minister for Education and Medical Research, a portfolio he personally selected. Tim Pallas remains in his position as Treasurer, providing continuity in economic leadership.
In other notable appointments, Gabrielle Williams has become the new Public Transport Minister, while Natalie Hutchins, who previously held the education portfolio, transitions to Minister for Jobs and Industry, Women, and returns to the Treaty and First Peoples portfolio.
Colin Brooks takes on the role of Minister for Development Victoria, Precincts, and Creative Industries, a crucial portfolio for urban development and the arts.
Harriet Shing has received a major promotion, becoming the Housing Minister, succeeding Colin Brooks in this important role.
Lizzie Blandthorn assumes a new portfolio for children, which brings together the work across the government on education and child protection.
Steve Dimopoulos, previously the Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Minister, now serves as the Environment Minister, taking over from Ingrid Stitt, who now oversees Mental Health, Aging, and Multicultural Affairs.
Eltham MP Vicki Ward joins the cabinet as Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Employment, filling the vacancy left by Daniel Andrews.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas will now also be responsible for Ambulance Services, an essential aspect of healthcare delivery.
The justice portfolios remain stable, with Attorney-General and Government Upper House Leader Jaclyn Symes, Police Minister Anthony Carbines, and Corrections Minister Enver Erdogan retaining their positions.
Allan Ministry
| Minister name | Portfolios |
|---|---|
| The Honourable Jacinta Allan | Premier |
| The Honourable Ben Carroll | Deputy PremierMinister for EducationMinister for Medical Research |
| The Honourable Jaclyn Symes | Leader of the Government in the Legislative CouncilAttorney-GeneralMinister for Emergency Services |
| The Honourable Tim Pallas | TreasurerMinister for Industrial RelationsMinister for Economic Growth |
| The Honourable Lizzie Blandthorn | Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative CouncilMinister for ChildrenMinister for Disability |
| The Honourable Colin Brooks | Minister for Development VictoriaMinister for PrecinctsMinister for Creative Industries |
| The Honourable Anthony Carbines | Minister for PoliceMinister for Crime PreventionMinister for Racing |
| The Honourable Lily D’Ambrosio | Minister for Climate ActionMinister for Energy and ResourcesMinister for the State Electricity Commission |
| The Honourable Steve Dimopoulos | Minister for EnvironmentMinister for Tourism, Sport and Major EventsMinister for Outdoor Recreation |
| The Honourable Enver Erdogan | Minister for CorrectionsMinister for Youth JusticeMinister for Victim Support |
| The Honourable Melissa Horne | Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor RegulationMinister for Local GovernmentMinister for Ports and FreightMinister for Roads and Road Safety |
| The Honourable Natalie Hutchins | Minister for Jobs and IndustryMinister for Treaty and First PeoplesMinister for Women |
| The Honourable Sonya Kilkenny | Minister for PlanningMinister for the Suburbs |
| The Honourable Danny Pearson | Minister for Transport InfrastructureMinister for the Suburban Rail LoopAssistant TreasurerMinister for WorkSafe and the TAC |
| The Honourable Harriet Shing | Minister for HousingMinister for WaterMinister for Equality |
| The Honourable Ros Spence | Minister for AgricultureMinister for Community SportMinister for Carers and Volunteers |
| The Honourable Ingrid Stitt | Minister for Mental HealthMinister for AgeingMinister for Multicultural Affairs |
| The Honourable Natalie Suleyman | Minister for VeteransMinister for Small BusinessMinister for Youth |
| The Honourable Mary-Anne Thomas | Leader of the HouseMinister for HealthMinister for Health InfrastructureMinister for Ambulance Services |
| The Honourable Gayle Tierney | Minister for Skills and TAFEMinister for Regional Development |
| The Honourable Vicki Ward | Minister for Prevention of Family ViolenceMinister for Employment |
| The Honourable Gabrielle Williams | Minister for Government ServicesMinister for Consumer AffairsMinister for Public and Active Transport |
| The Honourable Steve McGhie | Cabinet Secretary |
In a press conference, Premier Jacinta Allan emphasised the government’s strong focus on building more homes, acknowledging that it is a top priority for Victoria. She also highlighted the establishment of a new portfolio for children as a clear social policy priority, aimed at supporting children and families more collaboratively.
On the opposition front, Opposition Leader John Pesutto announced his new shadow ministry, triggered by the departure of Matthew Bach. Notably, former opposition leader Matthew Guy returns to the frontbench as Shadow Public Transport Minister.
The leadership transition in Victoria, which saw Jacinta Allan become the second woman leader in the state’s history and the first Labor premier from regional Victoria in nearly a century was smooth with Allan officially elected to the position unopposed.
This reshuffle reflects the government’s commitment to addressing key priorities, including transport infrastructure, housing, education, and child welfare, as Victoria continues to navigate its future under new leadership.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits