Barnett Treasurer, Petrusma health in Cabinet reshuffle

GUY Barnett has been elevated to the position of Treasurer, and Jacquie Petrusma returns to the Cabinet in the crucial Health portfolio in a major Cabinet reshuffle.

Ms Petrusma will also take on Aboriginal Affairs, and Veterans Affairs.

In a meteoric rise, Prosser MLC and former Sorell Mayor Kerry Vincent, who was only elected five months ago, has been elevated to the position of Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Local Government.

As Minister for Infrastructure, Mr Vincent will be responsible for overseeing a fix to the TT-Line Ships Saga which has seen no suitable berthing facilities for the new Spirits of Tasmania vessels yet constructed.

In other Cabinet changes:

• Nick Duigan assumes the role of Minister for Sports and Events;
• Felix Ellis will take on Consumer Affairs;
• Jane Howlett will take on the portfolios of Hospitality and Small Business;
• Roger Jaensch will take on Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Finance;
• Madeleine Ogilvie will take on Environment and the portfolio of Science and Technology will be incorporated into a new portfolio of Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy;
• Jo Palmer will take on the role of Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence. 

In terms of Parliamentary Secretaries:

• Simon Wood will remain as Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Government Whip; 
• Simon Behrakis will become the Premier's Parliamentary Secretary, while remaining as Parliamentary Secretary for Housing and Planning;
• Rob Fairs will become Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Engagement.

Commenting on Jaquie Petrusma's return to Cabinet, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said: 

"Jacquie  is an experienced Minister having previously held various portfolios including human services, parks and environment, and police. 

As a Registered Nurse, Jacquie will bring with her an intimate knowledge of the challenges that our health system faces and an awareness of the inner workings of our hospitals like no other."

 On Kerry Vincent's elevation, Mr Rockliff said:

"As the former Mayor of Sorell, Kerry played an instrumental role in the transformation of Sorell which has seen the construction and delivery of generational infrastructure for his constituents, in partnership with State and Federal Governments. 

 Kerry will be a real driver of better outcomes for a number of key infrastructure projects across the State.

Kerry has a wealth of experience in local government and fully understands the challenges and opportunities it faces."

The reshuffle was forced by the resignation of Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson over the TT-Line Ships Saga, and the retirement of Cabinet Minister Nic Street to the back-bench due to ill-health.