I have returned to work today after being given a clean bill of health.
I want to thank Tasmanians for their well-wishes over the past week.
I also want to thank my Deputy, Jeremy Rockliff, for stepping in along with my whole team – they’re a fantastic team of people and I thank each one of them.
It’s been a huge 18 months for all Tasmanians, and this past week, I have learned just how important it is to listen to your body.
Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been a very challenging time and our priority since the start of COVID-19 has been to keep Tasmanians safe and secure.
Moving forward, the events of the past week have sent me a clear message that given the challenges ahead with COVID-19, I need to better balance my responsibilities.
That’s why I will be realigning my responsibilities for at least the next 12 months to ensure that I can focus on managing our pathway out of COVID-19 and the health and safety of Tasmanians, and also on our economic rebuild.
As Premier, I will have overall responsibility for the response to Covid and will retain the Treasury portfolio, however, the portfolios of Climate Change and Tourism will be transferred to other Ministers.
Roger Jaensch who is currently Minister for Environment will take on the Climate Change portfolio and Sarah Courtney, who is currently the Minister for Hospitality and Events, will take on the Tourism portfolio.
These changes provide appropriate synergies with current portfolio allocations and will ensure that they continue to be given the important focus required.
These changes will occur after this week’s Estimates hearings are concluded.
As we move forward with the national plan and the reopening of the country, I expect that some of our most difficult challenges are still in front of us.
And while our vaccination rates are high and the program is going well, we know there is still a long road ahead.
These changes will ensure that I can focus on our pathway out of COVID-19 and our broader economic circumstances whilst working with the National Cabinet on the National plan for our transition from COVID-19.
I look forward to getting back to work to continue delivering our strong plan to secure Tasmania’s future as we continue to do all we can to reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering Tasmania.