A new-look cabinet is set to be unveiled days after Steven Miles officially took over as Queensland’s 40th premier.
Print article
In what is considered the state government’s biggest frontbench shake-up in nine years, five new ministers are expected to be ushered in on Monday.
Mr Miles is the new leader with Treasurer Cameron Dick his deputy after both were elected unanimously and unopposed to their roles at Friday’s Labor caucus meeting.
Meaghan Scanlon is set to take on three new responsibilities to tackle the housing crisis.
It marks the first time since 2005 that the Queensland Labor Party has two men at the helm.
Mr Miles was later sworn in as the new premier at Government House, barely a week after Annastacia Palaszczuk’s shock resignation.
Mr Miles said on Sunday Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon would gain three new responsibilities to tackle the housing crisis, becoming Housing, Planning, Local Government and Public Works Minister.
“This expanded portfolio gives me the levers I need to make sure we deliver more homes for Queensland,” Ms Scanlon said.
Mr Miles’ previous State Development, Infrastructure, Planning and Local Government portfolio will be broken up to create the housing super-portfolio.
“It’s a big job but I know she can do it,” he told reporters.
“It puts housing in one of the most senior roles in my government.”
Nikki Boyd, Bart Mellish, Michael Healy, Lance McCallum and Charis Mullen will all be given frontbench positions in Mr Miles’ new cabinet.
Mark Bailey, Stirling Hinchliffe and Craig Crawford have lost the transport, tourism and child safety ministerial portfolios respectively.
“They are younger, they are energetic, they are ready to deliver a fresh new approach for Queenslanders,” Mr Miles said of his new cabinet members.
The reshuffle comes after a tearful Ms Palaszczuk stood down after almost nine years in the top job.
It is considered the biggest frontbench rejig since Ms Palaszczuk led Labor to a boilover 2015 election victory.
She was Australia’s longest-serving sitting premier, becoming the first woman to lead a party to three state election victories.
Ms Palaszczuk will also depart her Inala seat by year’s end, prompting a by-election.
She did not attend Friday’s caucus meeting.
Jump to next article
