Labor
RESHUFFLED: New Brumby team revealed by VEXNEWS
Minimal changes will be made to the Brumby ministry today, VEXNEWS can reveal.
As has been widely speculated, the highly regarded (and much emulated) Labor moderate Industry Minister Martin Pakula is expected to be sent in to make the best of the trickiest portfolio of all, Public Transport. Some believe his fellow NUW alumnus Tim Pallas politely declined the offer to sip from the poison chalice. Labor insiders say Pakula will surprise with his steady handling of the tricky area.
Pakula is seen as both tough and shrewd and one of the strongest performers in the Legislative Council chamber where he regularly whacks pretenders like the left-leaning and hard-drinking Liberal upper house leader David Davis. Error-making transport bureaucrats will need to be very careful indeed, Pakula will not tolerate foolishness.
The other option seriously considered was the Deputy Premier Rob Hulls who would take a similarly tough approach to underperforming bureaucrats. But at this stage, Pakula seems set to take it on.
That leaves the over-promoted Jacinta Allan, who was already the co-ordinating minister at DIIRD, picking up Pakula’s Industry & Trade portfolio. She might have to savour her promotion while it lasts because her Bendigo seat will be a very tough one to hold this coming November.
She’ll be giving up the Skills area to Pike, who keeps Education according to insiders.
Noted connoisseur of the arts, Lefty Peter Batchelor will be the lucky chap given Kosky’s remaining Arts portfolio.
Newbie Silly Lily D’Ambrosio is expected get a very light portfolio responsibility reflecting the great intellectual contribution she’ll make to the government.
Also interesting in the changes is that the shrewd Lefty powerplayer Daniel Andrews (who aims to replace Rob Hulls as Deputy Premier after the next election) has got permission to be promoted to the Expenditure Review Committee, cementing his clout within the government.
Some Lefty rivals tell VEXNEWS that Andrews might be “soaring in the manner of Icarus, getting a little too close to the sun,” a possible reference to the Premier’s COS Dan O’Brien who is considered to regularly advance the other Dan’s interests around 1 Treasury.
UPDATE 1.30PM The official press release shows that our sources were on the money. The only thing they missed was the former Essendon player Justin Madden becoming the Minister for the Respect Agenda, something I’m sure he’ll leave off his CV in future… The newbies will be sworn in at 3pm at Government House. From that point on, Lily D’Ambrosio will be chauffeured around in the style of a VIP. The world has gone completely mad.
PREMIER ANNOUNCES NEW CABINET LINE-UP
The Premier, John Brumby, today announced new portfolio responsibilities with a clear focus on jobs, economic development, public transport and driving the Premier’s Respect Agenda.
Mr Brumby announced Martin Pakula would be Victoria’s new Minister for Public Transport, while also retaining his role as Minister for Industrial Relations.
“Martin Pakula has forged a career in standing up for working Victorians and this will continue in his new role as Public Transport Minister,” Mr Brumby said.
“Martin will begin his time in this role riding the public transport network and speaking to passengers about the service.
“Martin has the clear priorities of being an advocate for public transport users and driving the transformation of the public transport network under our $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan.”
Mr Brumby announced that Lily D’Ambrosio would be promoted to Cabinet and serve as Minister for Community Development.
“Lily has served a committed and impressive apprenticeship as Parliamentary Secretary in the Community Development portfolio since 2006,” Mr Brumby said.
“Lily is a great success story both in terms of multiculturalism and Melbourne’s northern suburbs. She is committed to building stronger communities that support and provide opportunities for working families.”
Mr Brumby said Jacinta Allan would head an economic development super-portfolio, to secure new investment and new jobs across the State, by adding the portfolio of Industry and Trade to her existing portfolio of Regional and Rural Development.
“Jacinta will focus on using the full resources of Government to support and create new job opportunities and investment in communities across Victoria,” Mr Brumby said.
“I want the Victorian economy to continue to be one of the leading economies in the worldwide recovery from the Global Financial Crisis. Creating and securing investment and jobs for Victorian families is crucial to maintaining Victoria’s competitive edge.”
The Minister for Education, Bronwyn Pike, will also take on the Skills and Workforce Participation portfolio.
“Bronwyn is successfully delivering the biggest investment in schools in the State’s history – through our Government’s Victorian Schools Plan to rebuild, renovate or extend every school in the State and the Commonwealth’s Building the Education Revolution program,” he said.
“Bronwyn has also delivered significant reforms to schools under the Education Blueprint. She will now also deliver our massive reform program in the training sector, which is providing a training place for all Victorians, so they can get the job they want.”
The Minister for Planning, Justin Madden, will also take on the role as Minister for the Respect Agenda to coordinate our actions to address social issues such as alcohol related violence, family violence and racial tolerance.
“Our Government understands that many Victorians are concerned about antisocial behaviour in the community,” Mr Brumby said.
“My Respect Agenda is crucial to tackling these issues. Justin will work with Ministers across Government – as well as with important sporting, community and business organisations – to roll out my Respect Agenda and help address these issues.”
The Minister for Energy and Resources, Peter Batchelor, will also become Victoria’s new Minister for the Arts, at a time of historic investment in Victoria’s arts and cultural facilities, including the new Melbourne Recital Centre, the restored and redeveloped Heide, the redevelopment of Hamer Hall, the new Performing Arts Centre in Wangaratta and the new Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas.
“Peter is a long-time supporter of the Arts in Victoria and I know his passionate advocacy will serve Victoria’s arts community well,” Mr Brumby said.
“Our Government’s massive investment is transforming arts and cultural infrastructure and Peter assumes this role at an exciting time for the arts community.”
The Minister for Health, Daniel Andrews, will be promoted to the Expenditure Review Committee that deliberates over the Victorian State Budget.
Mr Brumby also announced a number of changes to Parliamentary Secretary responsibilities.
“Among a number of changes, I have appointed Rob Hudson as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier for National Reform, Arts and Public Service. Rob will assist me in driving the National Reform Agenda through the Council of Australian Governments,” he said.
“Ben Hardman has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Bushfire Reconstruction.
“Our Government wants to see the communities affected by last year’s bushfires rebuilt as quickly and as safely as possible. Ben’s job will be to monitor the rebuilding and to report to myself and to the Cabinet on issues raised, as they are raised.”
“Luke Donnellan remains Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, with a particular focus on jobs and economic development.
“Don Nardella has been promoted to the role of Parliamentary Secretary, in the portfolio of Roads and Ports; as has Janice Munt, who will be Parliamentary Secretary for Health. Brian Tee will be the new Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport.”
Mr Brumby said the Cabinet consisted of the right people, with the right skills and diverse backgrounds to best represent and stand up for Victorian families.
“Our Government is focused on delivering jobs, securing our water supply, building a better transport system and investing in world class hospitals and schools. These are the issues that matter to Victorian families,” Mr Brumby said.
“This is the right Cabinet to address these challenges of today, to secure a stronger future and to build a fairer Victoria.”
A list of the new Cabinet and a list of Parliamentary Secretary responsibilities are attached.
BRUMBY LABOR GOVERNMENT MINISTERS
| Minister | Portfolio |
| John Brumby | Premier; Minister for Veterans’ Affairs; Minister for Multicultural Affairs |
| Rob Hulls | Deputy Premier; Attorney-General; Minister for Racing |
| John Lenders | Treasurer; Minister for Financial Services, Minister for Information and Communications Technology; Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council |
| Gavin Jennings | Minister for Environment and Climate Change; Minister for Innovation; Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council |
| Jacinta Allan | Minister for Regional and Rural Development; Minister for Industry and Trade |
| Lily D’Ambrosio | Minister for Community Development |
| Daniel Andrews | Minister for Health |
| Peter Batchelor | Minister for Energy and Resources; Minister for the Arts |
| Bob Cameron | Minister for Police and Emergency Services; Minister for Corrections |
| Joe Helper | Minister for Agriculture; Minister for Small Business |
| Tim Holding | Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission; Minister for Water; Minister for Tourism and Major Events |
| Justin Madden | Minister for Planning; Minister for the Respect Agenda |
| James Merlino | Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs; Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs |
| Maxine Morand | Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development; Minister for Women’s Affairs |
| Lisa Neville | Minister for Mental Health; Minister for Community Services; Minister for Senior Victorians |
| Martin Pakula | Minister for Public Transport; Minister for Industrial Relations |
| Tim Pallas | Minister for Roads and Ports; Minister for Major Projects |
| Bronwyn Pike | Minister for Education; Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation |
| Tony Robinson | Minister for Gaming; Minister for Consumer Affairs; Minister Assisting the Premier on Veterans’ Affairs |
| Richard Wynne | Minister for Housing; Minister for Local Government; Minister for Aboriginal Affairs |
| Tony Lupton | Cabinet Secretary |
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES
| Parliamentary Secretary | Portfolio |
| Liz Beattie | Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier (Multicultural Affairs and Veterans’ Affairs) |
| Luke Donnellan | Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier |
| Rob Hudson | Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier (National Reform, Arts, Public Service) |
| Michael Crutchfield | Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, Water and Climate Change |
| Kaye Darveniza | Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture |
| Danielle Green | Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services |
| Ben Hardman | Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Bushfire Reconstruction |
| Steve Herbert | Parliamentary Secretary for Education |
| Telmo Languiller | Parliamentary Secretary for Human Services |
| Jenny Mikakos | Parliamentary Secretary for Planning |
| Janice Munt | Parliamentary Secretary for Health |
| Don Nardella | Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Ports |
| Jaala Pulford | Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development, Industry and Trade |
| Fiona Richardson | Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury and Finance |
| Brian Tee | Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport |
| Marsha Thomson | Parliamentary Secretary for Justice |
Discussion
27 comments for “RESHUFFLED: New Brumby team revealed by VEXNEWS”
Post a comment
I’d be worried about my job security if i were them…
Though not if you were running for Altona… apparently the libs aren’t running.
it would have only be logic to promote theo
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by landeryou, vexnews. vexnews said: RESHUFFLED: New Brumby team revealed by VEXNEWS: John Brumby is set to keep changes to a minimum. As you have come… http://bit.ly/4plFTD [...]
Pakula is cute. He can stop at my station anytime.
C.Pine-whine you should have a meeting with Alan and myself in the far cubicle in the Wahroonga Gentlemens Public Lavatory?
Presented with a chance to shuffle out Lisa Neville and Brumby fails to take it?? The choice is clear – remove her from her ministerial chains and she retains Bellarine in November, don’t and she won’t.
Perhaps that dope Lily could take over from that halfwit Baillieu and his echo david Davis. Couldn’t notice the diff really.
Why wasn’t rising star Colin Brooks promoted?
This low-profile MP has mastered inactivity during his term in Parliament and has become the pin-up boy for invisibility.
As for Colin Brooks, anyone who has been under the tutelage of the Member for Ivanhoe is bound to be a dud.
C Pine-whine check out my fit body and my suggestive dance moves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuFl6×356a0
Can’t wait till parliament starts up again
.
Yours and yours alone,
the member for Mitchell.
teehee, aren’t i clever?
now if only girls would talk to me…
In Crikey today:
Gay lobbyists never got much joy out of Doyle when he was leader of the Victorian Liberal Party (2002-06). The pragmatic and politically insecure Opposition leader generally took the lead of the vehemently anti-gay shadow Attorney-General Robert Dean when matters such as his relationship recognition and the removal of discrimination came his way.
Wh wuzn’t Bub Cumeron sucked uz the pulice munister? Thut bloke is a hopeluss incumpetent loser who uzn’t fut to be the munister for sully walks lut alone to try und cuntrol a mussive portfolio like pulicing. Huz only redeeming feature uz thut he is only margunly worse thun Tum Holding.
It would suck to be me.
wtf is a Respect Agenda and why does is need its own Minister?
I thought Jeff Kennett had destroyed Kirnerism year back.
Does Madden know the meaning of respest?
Pakula why dont you catch Public transport from home (Black Rock) to the west (the seat you were given after your failed attempt to overthrow Simon Crean for his seat)!!
only 10 months to another cabinet
Pakula failed NUW officer, failed lawyer and already shafting Kosky. I’m counting the times he will be on public transport. Once.
Shuffling the seats on the Titanic.And fancy giving Nardella a spot gee he must have some shit on someone!
We now have Tim Holding’s NUW/SDA right running two worst performing portfolios – lublic tranpsort and roads- both initially run into the ground by SL Ministers, namely Batchelor and Kosky.
Is it the passing of the poison chalise or should all SL Ministers be ousted and replaced by our right wingers?
New State Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula takes taxpayer-funded car for final leg of journey home
i think it’s great that we have local members of parliament not living in their electorate. Pukula cant show committment to his local constituents, how in gods name is he to the public transport system.
Gee, this minister is the ALP member for a western suburbs seat … so where does he live? In the western suburbs? Noooooo, way over the other side of town in Black Rock! Typical Labor arrogance — and complete lack of care for the voters they supposedly represent. His seat is just his political springboard, and he obviously couldn’t give two hoots about the people he is there to represent if he’s gone nearly a whole term and doesn’t even live close to his own electorate.
isnt black rock where the nudd beach is. i wonder if martin attends the local beach.
Brumby said there were only 4 women in Cabinet. can someone tell who they are other than pike, Neville,kosky,???
Gee havent those 3 been successful…
The deadwood in the cabinet just increased.
Need to get Black Rock Pakula into Assembly. Will make good Opposition leader.