Queensland has a new Minister for Agriculture with Bundaberg MP, Leanne Donaldson moving from the backbench to the agriculture portfolio in the Premier’s cabinet reshuffle today.
Bill Byrne, who was appointed the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Sport and Racing when Labor came to power earlier this year, has been made the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Corrective Services. He replaces the embattled Jo-Ann Miller who resigned last week following months of mounting pressure.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said a mixture of new energy and experience was included in the Cabinet.
“I’m extremely proud of what my Government has achieved already in 2015, and I know 2016 is going to be even bigger and better,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I’ve made a point of leading an open and consultative Government that takes Queenslanders with us when it comes to job creation policies, economic growth initiatives and the delivery of better frontline services.
“And with our broad policy agenda, business leaders and community groups have told me that an increase to the size of the Cabinet will only strengthen our efforts.
“Today I have added three new Ministers to my team, as well as replacing the former Police Minister, bringing the size of Cabinet to 17 – still smaller than every other Cabinet since 1986.
“This allows me to add another regional voice to Cabinet in Bundaberg’s Leanne Donaldson, as well as experienced Parliamentarians Stirling Hinchliffe and Grace Grace, and the talented Springwood MP Mick de Brenni.
“The Cabinet includes 53% female representation, making Queensland the most progressive Government in Australia.
“It allows me to have a Minister firmly focused on Innovation and the Digital Economy, and it places a bigger emphasis on the biofuels and renewable energy sectors, all areas that are crucial to the next phase of Queensland’s economic story and central to my Government’s agenda.
“And we will also have Queensland’s first Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. We cannot let this issue fall by the wayside. Minister Fentiman will work with other Ministers but will have responsibility for the coordination of the Government’s roll-out of our domestic violence reforms.
“I have spoken endlessly this year about my Government’s desire to create the jobs of the future, to drive economic growth into the future, and to deliver a better way of life for Queenslanders into the future.
“My team has worked tirelessly to deliver a better way of Government in 2015, and this dynamic new team will build on those achievements into next year and beyond.”
Palaszczuk Cabinet
Premier Minister for the Arts- Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
Deputy Premier Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade and Investment- Jackie Trad MP
Treasurer Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Sport- Curtis Pitt MP
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services- Cameron Dick MP
Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism and Major Events- Kate Jones MP
Minister for State Development Minister for Natural Resources and Mines- Dr Anthony Lynham MP
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Training and Skills- Yvette D’Ath MP
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services- Bill Byrne MP
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games- Stirling Hinchliffe MP
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply- Mark Bailey MP
Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef- Dr Steven Miles MP
Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business- Leeanne Enoch MP
Minister for Communities, Women and Youth and Minister for Child Safety and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence- Shannon Fentiman MP
Minister for Disability Services, Minister for Seniors Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland-Coralee O’Rourke MP
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs-Grace Grace MP
Minister for Housing and Public Works- Mick De Brenni MP
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries- Leanne Donaldson MP
