The Victorian government has revealed its new-look cabinet following a wave of senior resignations earlier this week.
All at once on Monday, the Finance Minister, Health Minister and Skills and TAFE Ministers announced they would not be seeking re-election in November, and would serve out their terms from the backbench.
The three departures added to a gap left in December when senior minister Natalie Hutchins made the same move.
Announcing the reshuffle on Wednesday, Premier Jacinta Allan said the appointments reflected a focus on “making life easier, safer and more affordable”.
“My Labor team has a unity of purpose that is guided by our values. This is a new team, with new energy and new solutions.”
Ms Allan lost a key ally as Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas pulled the pin this week; Harriet Shing has been pulled off the gargantuan Suburban Rail Loop portfolio to take on the health ministry.
Another close ally of the Premier’s, Nick Staikos, will now be in charge of the rail project.
Finance Minister Danny Pearson resigned from the frontbench as well on Monday; his replacement is Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, making her the executive government’s top lawyer, Finance Minister, Planning Minister and Violence Reduction Minister.
The Defence Industry, and Advanced Manufacturing Minister Colin Brooks now becomes responsible for the skills and TAFE portfolio.
Ms Hutchins’ portfolios of government services goes to the new Special Minister for State, Ingrid Stitt.
The placement of MP and former union secretary Luba Grigorovitch was of keen interest to politics watchers, given her friendship with former CFMEU boss John Setka.
Elevated to the front bench on Tuesday, Ms Grigorovitch defended that friendship.
“I’m not walking away. I don’t just ditch my mates when things get tough, but I have not spoken to John in a very long time,” she said.
“I have a very strong, proud record of standing up for working people, day in, day out, and I continue to do that every single day in the west. And now I’ve got the opportunity to step up as a minister.”
Announced Wednesday, Ms Grigorovitch becomes Minister for Youth, and Carers and Volunteers.
