Shadow Cabinet reflects Labor’s strong focus on jobs 16 April 2024

Labor’s new Shadow Cabinet reflects our strong focus on jobs and the economy.

Creating well-paid, safe and secure jobs for Tasmanians is our top priority, which is why I will take on a new Jobs, Workplace Relations and Safety portfolio, along with Trade and Major Investment and Tourism and Hospitality.

My Deputy Leader Anita Dow will be responsible for the significant economic portfolios of Infrastructure, TAFE, Skills and Training, Industry and Regional Development, Local Government and Small Business.

Josh Willie will take on responsibility for Treasury, as well as the crucial new portfolio of Cost of Living, to work towards easing the burden for Tasmanian families.

Shane Broad will take over Housing, Planning, Building and Construction and Consumer Affairs. The entire housing crisis has been put into one portfolio where Labor can work with our building and construction sector, as well as housing providers, to offer solutions for renters, aspiring homeowners, and those in need of social housing.

Sarah Lovell will be responsible for Education and Early Years. Poor education outcomes and the lack of access to affordable childcare are both seriously inhibiting the Tasmanian economy, and the ability of Tasmanians to take on work. It was something we campaigned on heavily and something we understand needs to be championed.

Unlike the Liberals, Tasmanian Labor recognises both the threat posed by climate change and the economic opportunities for Tasmania in science-based solutions, with Janie Finlay taking responsibility for both, along with the important Energy and Renewables portfolios.

Labor understands the desperate need to get new, renewable energy generation into the grid so that we can grow our economy and support highly paid, safe and secure jobs.

In other changes, Ella Haddad will take on the critical Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing portfolio, and Rebecca White becomes Shadow Attorney-General, as well as taking on a newly-created Integrity portfolio. We need to end the chaos and cover ups of this government and Rebecca has a huge job to interrogate the integrity failures of the Liberals.

I have asked Meg Brown to take on our position as Whip and the critical Transport portfolio. Communities that Meg and I represent have been let down by the Liberals on transport. Commuters trying to get to work are still dealing with hundreds of cancelled services and buses that just don’t turn up. Meg will do an outstanding job of holding the government to account.

Michelle O’Byrne will take on Economic Development, Children and Youth. Jen Butler will take on Police, Fire and Emergency Management as well as Corrections and Rehabilitation. Luke Edmunds moves to the Finance, Racing, Sport and Events portfolios. And Craig Farrell continues to serve as President of the Legislative Council.

These portfolios represent major changes and a big shakeup of our Shadow Ministerial line-up. The Labor team and I look forward to working together to ensure Tasmanians have the jobs, economy and quality of life they deserve.

Dean Winter MP

Tasmanian Labor Leader