Following last week’s unexpected resignation from Peter Gutwein, the new Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, is expected to continue the Government’s focus on investing in health, education, skills and employment, renewable energy, agriculture and tourism.
As the current Health Minister, Premier Rockliff is well placed to maintain the momentum behind new health investments committed to by the Government in last year’s state election. As the Premier said about Health and Mental Health in his statement when announcing the ministry, “…these are my first priorities, because I believe health and wellbeing are the foundations to a prosperous community.”
He also adds trade and tourism to his portfolios as a sign of his intention to drive forward these important sectors for the Tasmanian economy.
Before entering the Tasmanian Parliament in 2002, Mr Rockliff managed his family’s property specialising in mixed cropping and prime lamb production. Apart from his passion for farming and rural life, Mr Rockliff has a strong empathy with public and community services.
Mr Rockliff has previously held the portfolios of Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Economic Development, Resources, Sport and Recreation and Community Development.
The new Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Michael Ferguson like the Premier, comes from ‘the north’ of Tasmania so expect to see a continuation of government investment evenly spread across the island. He will continue as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Planning.
Jo Palmer is the new member of Cabinet and will work closely with the Premier on primary industries and trade. Other ministers and portfolios are:
Elise Archer, Attorney General, Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs
Guy Barnett, Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing, Minister for Energy and Renewables, Resources
Jo Palmer, Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Minister for Disability Services
Roger Jaensch, Minister for Education, Skills, Training and Workforce Growth, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Aboriginal Affairs
Madeleine Ogilvie, Minister for Small Business, Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries
Jacquie Petrusma Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management
Nic Street, Minister for Community Services and Development, Sport and Recreation, Minister for Local Government
The new Premier and Treasurer are moving quickly to finalise a state budget on May 26.
With three marginal key seats for both the Federal Government and Opposition, Tasmania will continue to receive much attention during the federal election campaign. The Opposition Leader, Mr Albanese started the campaign in Tasmania committing to more health services investments if elected while the PM was recently in Tasmanian announcing more funding for the energy transmission link, Marinus Link.
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