Assistant Ministers to further boost Queensland’s economic recovery

Assistant Ministers will strengthen Queensland’s ongoing recovery and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on the Palaszczuk Government’s fresh priorities for the next term.

COVID Economic Recovery, Health Infrastructure, Hydrogen, Renewable Energy and local Train Manufacturing are among the important areas of focus for the assistant ministry.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the appointments will also recognise the vital role of Queensland’s regions.

“Assistant Ministers come from regions stretching from the Far North to Ipswich,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“They will work with my new Ministers to ensure that every aspect of Government endeavour is comprehensively addressed, especially our health and economic response to COVID.

“Bart Mellish will be my Assistant Minister, with COVID Economic Recovery among his responsibilities, while Charis Mullen will be Assistant Minister for Treasury and Julieanne Gilbert will focus on Health Infrastructure.

“Regional issues will be front of mind for Nikki Boyd as Assistant Minister for Local Government.

“As key areas of Queensland’s future growth, the Education and Tourism portfolios will be assisted by Brittany Lauga and Michael Healy.

“The appointment of Bruce Saunders as Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing reflects our election commitment to bring local train building back to Maryborough.

“And Lance McCallum will help ensure that our increasing focus on Hydrogen as a fuel of the future gets the backing it needs as we work towards 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.”