After more than five years in the Cabinet, Jacquie Petrusma has taken the difficult decision, based on recent medical advice, to step down as a Minister.
Jacquie will remain in the Parliament and serve as a committed Liberal Member for Franklin.
Jacquie has a cochlear implant and has been combatting a recurring infection, and will require further surgery with an uncertain period to full recovery.
Jacquie has been an outstanding member of our Cabinet and has held a number of very important portfolios including Minister for Disability Services and Community Development, Women, Aboriginal Affairs, Sport and Recreation, and Human Services.
As Minister Jacquie played a critical role in delivering our nation leading response to the prevention of family violence, Tasmania’s first Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan, as well as the largest investment into social and affordable housing. She has dramatically increased the representation of women on government boards, and implemented new initiatives to increase the participation of women and girls in sport.
I deeply thank Jacquie for her excellent service as a Minister in the majority Liberal Government, wish her the very best for her surgery and a full recovery, and look forward to continuing to work with her as a passionate and committed member for Franklin.