New Cabinet recommended to the Governor
 
The Premier, Lara Giddings, today released details of her new Cabinet following the unfortunate defeat of Lin Thorp and the announced departure today of David Bartlett.
 
Ms Giddings confirmed she would have an eight member Cabinet in order to assist in achieving necessary Budget savings.
 
“There is no denying that it has been a very difficult and disappointing week for the Government,” Ms Giddings said.
 
“We are still coming to terms with the loss of a very capable minister in Lin Thorp and that has been compounded with the announced departure of David Bartlett.
 
“But I have moved quickly to form a new Cabinet which I am very confident has the skills, drive and determination to lead this state into the future, particularly as we tackle a very tough budget situation.”
 
Ms Giddings said the reshuffle she had recommended to the Governor harnessed the skills of her existing Ministers, while introducing new talent to the Cabinet.
 
“I have recommended that Scott Bacon be elevated to Cabinet in the portfolios of Tourism, Hospitality and Veterans’ Affairs
 
“This is in recognition of Scott’s hard work and enthusiasm since entering Parliament, particularly as a member of Budget Committee in the lead-up to a critical State Budget.
 
“Brian Wightman will take on the very important portfolios of Attorney General and Justice and I know he shares the passion for law reform that has been close to my heart and progressed by David Bartlett.
 
“I have also asked Nick McKim to take on the significant responsibility of Education and Skills and agreed to his request to appoint Paul O’Halloran to assist him as a Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Skills.”
 
Ms Giddings said she had given careful consideration to the allocation of the critical portfolio of Minister for Children and had decided that Michelle O’Byrne, as Health Minister, would passionately and capably represent the interests of children.
 
“This means that Ms O’Byrne will now be looking after the health and wellbeing of Tasmania’s most vulnerable children from birth.
 
“I am very confident that Ms O’Byrne will passionately pursue the Agenda for Children and Young People which will be inherited from Lin Thorp.”
 
Ms O’Byrne will also become the Minister for Sport and Recreation, which has obvious synergies in promoting physical activity and healthy living.
 
“I expect my new Cabinet to be sworn in on Friday so that we can immediately get back to the very important task of forming the Budget.
 
“I have not allowed the events of the past week to distract me from the significant task we face, which has only been compounded by confirmation last night that GST receipts have reduced by a further $343.1 million.”
 
Ms Giddings said she had written to Governor Peter Underwood informing him of her recommendation to appoint the following Cabinet:
 
 
Lara Giddings        
 
Premier
Treasurer
Arts
 
Bryan Green
 
Deputy Premier
Primary Industries and Water
Energy and Resources
Planning
Local Government
Racing
 
David O’Byrne
 
Infrastructure
Economic Development
Science, Innovation and Technology
Police and Emergency Management
Workplace Relations
 
Michelle O’Byrne 
 
Health
Children
Sport and Recreation
 
 
Brian Wightman
 
Attorney-General
Justice
Environment, Parks and Heritage
 
Scott Bacon
 
Tourism
Hospitality
Veterans’ Affairs
 
Nick McKim
 
Education and Skills
Corrections and Consumer Protection
Sustainable Transport and Alternative Energy
 
Cassy O’Connor
 
 Human Services
Community Development
Climate Change
Aboriginal Affairs
 
Doug Parkinson
 
Leader of Government Business in the Legislative Council
 
Parliamentary Secretaries
 
Rebecca White – Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier (Small Business and Cost of Living)
 
Brenton Best – Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier (North West Economy)
 
Paul O’Halloran – Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Skills