Chief Minister Andrew Barr today announced the new ACT Cabinet, bringing together an experienced team focused on delivering more homes, growing and diversifying the ACT economy, strengthening public services and building Canberra’s future.
The refreshed Ministry combines experienced ministerial leadership with renewal, including the appointment of Rachel Stephen-Smith as Deputy Chief Minister and the elevation of Brindabella MLA Caitlin Tough to Cabinet.
As a Tuggeranong resident and MLA for Brindabella, Ms Tough’s appointment ensures every ACT electorate is represented around the Cabinet table.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the Ministry had been structured around the priorities that will shape Canberra’s future.
“Canberra is a growing, confident and ambitious city. This Cabinet is focused on building the homes, infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities that a growing city needs,” the Chief Minister said.
“We are continuing to provide strong leadership across housing, economic development, major project delivery, public services, community wellbeing and inclusion. Together, we will continue building a city that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive, and remains one of the best places in the world to live.”
Leadership for Canberra’s future
As Chief Minister, Mr Barr will continue to lead the Government’s strategic agenda, including government reform, intergovernmental relations, national capital leadership and long-term city building.
The Chief Minister will retain responsibility for economic development, trade, investment and the knowledge economy, reflecting Canberra’s position as Australia’s leading knowledge-intensive economy and a growing centre for innovation, research, higher education and advanced industries.
The Major Projects portfolio will bring together oversight of Canberra’s most significant city-shaping initiatives, including strategic infrastructure, urban renewal and precinct development projects. Through responsibility for Infrastructure Canberra, the City Renewal Authority and the Suburban Land Agency, the Chief Minister will drive an integrated approach to planning and delivering Canberra’s future growth.
Mr Barr said economic development remained one of the Government’s central priorities.
“The ACT’s future prosperity will be built on new industries, innovation, investment and skills. We will continue to position Canberra as Australia’s innovation capital, support emerging industries and advanced technology sectors, strengthen our connections with global markets and create the jobs and opportunities of the future,” he said.
New Deputy Chief Minister
Chief Minister Barr congratulated Rachel Stephen-Smith on her election as Deputy Chief Minister.
The election recognises Ms Stephen-Smith’s extensive experience across some of the Government’s most significant portfolios and her leadership of major reforms in health, disability, community services and finance over many years.
As Deputy Chief Minister, Ms Stephen-Smith will help drive the Government’s service delivery agenda, with responsibility for education, child development and wellbeing, finance, the ACT Public Service and major health infrastructure projects.
The Child Development and Wellbeing portfolio reflects the Government’s commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life through integrated services, early intervention and better support for parents and carers.
Deputy Chief Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said: “As a proud product of Canberra’s public education system, I’m looking forward to working with students, families, teachers and other key staff and stakeholders to deliver the structural reforms that will set our schools up for generations to come.
“In the new Child Development and Wellbeing portfolio, my focus will be on building a network of services that meet families where they’re at and sets all children up for the brightest possible future.
“I’m ready to get stuck in with Andrew and the Labor Team to deliver for children, families and the wider Canberra community.”
New Minister
Chief Minister Barr also welcomed Caitlin Tough to Cabinet.
“Caitlin brings energy, policy capability and a strong connection to her local community. Her appointment strengthens the Government and ensures every ACT electorate is represented in Cabinet. As a proud Tuggeranong resident, Caitlin will bring important perspectives to the Government’s decision-making and help ensure the interests of Canberra’s south continue to be strongly represented around the Cabinet table,” the Chief Minister said.
New Minister Caitlin Tough said: “I am honoured to take on the role of a Minister in the ACT Government and excited for this new chapter. I look forward to serving the people of Canberra, no matter a person’s background.”
“My commitment to Brindabella remains unwavering, and I will continue working every day to deliver the outcomes our community deserves. It is a privilege to represent Tuggeranong in the Cabinet and bring the voice of Brindabella back to the table.”
New Health Minister
Dr Paterson will oversee the ACT’s health system and lead the next phase of work to improve access to healthcare, reduce pressures on the hospital system and strengthen health services for a growing population.
The retention of a standalone Mental Health portfolio reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring mental health remains a central priority across government. Dr Paterson will continue to drive improvements in mental health promotion, early intervention, community-based support and access to specialist services, recognising the vital role mental health plays in the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
Minister Paterson said: “I would like to thank Rachel Stephen-Smith for her work in this space over the last 7 years, I am honoured to have the opportunity to advance this work as Minister. I look forward to working with our community and our health workforce to build on the great work already underway and support better outcomes for Canberrans. I am also excited to meet the dedicated staff across ACT Health, Canberra Health Services and all other health workers in the ACT.”
New portfolios will come into effect on Thursday 30 July 2026. The first meeting of the new Cabinet will be held on Wednesday 5 August.
ACT CABINET
Andrew Barr
Chief Minister
Minister for Trade, Investment and the Knowledge Economy
Minister for Tourism and Events
Minister for Major Projects
Rachel Stephen-Smith
Deputy Chief Minister
Minister for Education
Minister for Child Development and Wellbeing
Minister for Finance
Minister for the Public Service
Minister for Health Infrastructure
Chris Steel
Treasurer
Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development
Minister for Sport and Recreation
Minister for Heritage
Tara Cheyne
Manager of Government Business
Attorney-General
Minister for City and Government Services
Minister for Transport
Suzanne Orr
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Minister for Housing and Homelessness
Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water
Minister for Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity
Minister for Equality
Michael Pettersson
Minister for Business and Industry
Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations
Minister for Arts, Creative Industries and the Night-Time Economy
Minister for Children, Youth and Families
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Marisa Paterson
Minister for Health
Minister for Mental Health
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
Minister for Gaming Reform
Caitlin Tough
Minister for Human Rights
Minister for Community Services
Minister for Corrections
Minister for Women, Seniors and Veterans
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence
