Source: Office of the Premier of Victoria, Hon John Brumby

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER

DATE: Thursday, August 2, 2007

PREMIER ANNOUNCES NEW CABINET

The Premier, John Brumby, today announced a new Cabinet line-up and two new super departments to drive the Government’s priority areas.

Mr Brumby said a new Department of Planning and Community Development would be created to deliver improvements in urban development, particularly in the outer suburbs and regions.

Earlier, he announced the Government would bring the Office for Children into the Department of Education – creating the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Mr Brumby said the new Minister for Education, Bronwyn Pike, and the new Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Maxine Morand, would drive the new agenda.

“The transition into school is a critical stage of a child’s life. These changes will help to give Victorian children the best possible start in life by streamlining the transition into Prep,” he said.

“These new departments, together with a rejuvenated Cabinet, will ensure the Government delivers in its priority areas of education, urban development, public transport, health, major projects and improved services for farmers.”

Mr Brumby said Deputy Premier, Rob Hulls, retains his current portfolios of Attorney-General, Industrial Relations and Racing.

John Lenders will be Victoria’s new Treasurer.

“As a former Education Minister and a former Finance Minister, Mr Lenders is acutely aware of the need to balance prudent financial management with delivering improved services to Victorians,” Mr Brumby said.

Mr Brumby said Justin Madden would lead the new Department of Planning and Community Development and focus on building strong local communities across the State.

“Delivering growing communities, particularly in the outer suburbs and regional areas, the support, services and infrastructure they need will be the task of this new department,” he said.

“We will make sure that community development is at the heart of planning and urban development, with issues such as housing affordability, liveability, and local service delivery among the highest priorities.”

The department will replace the Department of Victorian Communities and will include the divisions and authorities that currently report to the Minister for Planning within the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Mr Brumby said Jacinta Allan would take on the key portfolio of Regional and Rural Development along with Skills and Workforce Participation.

“Provincial Victoria is growing as more people choose to live and work there, and as a Government we need to support the traditional industries such as farming as well as attracting new investment to our regions,” he said.

Mr Brumby said Lynne Kosky would continue working hard to ensure Victoria had a world-class public transport system.

“Easing congestion on the public transport network by accelerating the Government’s $10.5 billion transport action plan Meeting our Transport Challenges is another key priority for the next three years,” he said.

New Health Minister, Daniel Andrews, will be given the task of ensuring Victoria continues to have a world-class hospital system.

Mr Andrews will also have key policy responsibility for tackling cancer and the epidemic of preventable chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Gavin Jennings will take on responsibility for Environment and Climate Change and Innovation, while Tim Holding will add Water to his current portfolio responsibilities to drive the Government’s $4.9 billion Our Water Our Future action plan.

Lisa Neville has been appointed Minister for Mental Health, Community Services, and Senior Victorians, including responsibility for Aged Care.

Peter Batchelor’s portfolio will be renamed Community Development to reflect the Government’s renewed emphasis on integrating communities with planning and urban development.

Richard Wynne will add Aboriginal Affairs to his existing portfolios of Housing and Local Government, while Joe Helper will add Small Business to his responsibilities.

New Minister Tony Robinson will have responsibility for Gaming, Consumer Affairs, and will also assist the Premier on Veterans Affairs.

Mr Brumby said the Cabinet was highly skilled and experienced, reflecting the new emphasis the Government was taking.

“I have spoken to each member of my Cabinet and I know they have the vision and the drive to ensure Victoria remains the best part of the best place in the world in which to live,” he said.

A swearing-in ceremony will be held at Government House tomorrow. The Premier will announce Parliamentary Secretaries in coming days.

A list of the new Cabinet is attached.

 Media contact: Alison Crosweller on 0438 450 564 or Tom Laurie on 0400 527 327  http://www.vic.gov.au/