New Labor Ministry To Focus On Jobs

Three new members of Cabinet have today been sworn in, with Natalie Hutchins, Shaun Leane and Danny Pearson joining the Andrews Labor Government Ministry.

Formerly Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Natalie Hutchins will again be a determined voice on behalf of victim survivors, taking up the portfolios of Victim Support and delivering the Government’s reform agenda in Corrections, Youth Justice, and Crime Prevention.

Having spent his parliamentary career representing communities in the outer east, Shaun Leane will ensure our growing suburbs have the services and infrastructure they need as Minister for Suburban Development. As Minister for Local Government, he will support local councils as they grapple with the pandemic, and as the son of a World War II veteran, he’ll also bring his very real personal connection to the portfolio of Minister for Veterans.

As Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Regulatory Reform, Danny Pearson will work closely with the Treasurer to deliver the Budget, oversee government shared services and bring clarity and coordination to the government’s regulatory structure. As Minister for Government Services, he will oversee the public sector, cyber security and citizen digital transaction reform.

Six months into the coronavirus pandemic, the role of government in supporting business and industry has never been more important. Martin Pakula will take on the key portfolio of Industry Support and Recovery – helping Victorian businesses navigate restrictions and restart their operations in a COVIDsafe economy, and delivering targeted support for our key job-creating sectors.

Recognising their importance to our state’s ability to grow new jobs, Minister Pakula will also take responsibility for the development of the Docklands precinct, Fishermans Bend and the Footscray precinct as part of the new Business Precincts portfolio. He will continue his work in the portfolios of Trade, Tourism, Sport and Major Events, and Racing.

Ben Carroll will step into the frontline roles of Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Roads and Road Safety, continuing to ensure we have the reliable and integrated transport network we need to get Victorians home safer and sooner.

Jaala Pulford takes up a critical role in creating jobs and overseeing Working for Victoria as Minister for Employment. Highlighting the importance of research and discovery to our economic recovery, she will also serve as Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, and ensure our largest sector has a strong voice in government as Minister for Small Business.

Melissa Horne will serve as the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation and Minister for Fishing and Boating, in addition to continuing her vital work in maintaining our reputation as the freight and logistics capital of Australia, as Minister for Ports and Freight.

In addition to her role as Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan will lead the delivery of our biggest public transport project and reshape our suburbs as the Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop. She will also continue to oversee Development Victoria and the key transport precincts of Arden, Sunshine and the Richmond to Flinders Street corridor.

Victoria is facing an unprecedented challenge as we begin the recovery from coronavirus. This is the strong, dedicated and determined team to get us through to the other side.

Andrews Ministry | June 2020

Parliamentary Secretaries