Coe reshuffles shadow ministry after loss of Steve Doszpot

Opposition Leader Alistair Coe has announced a reshuffle of the Canberra Liberals’ shadow ministry in the wake of Steve Doszpot’s death last year.

“The reallocation of portfolios I am announcing today will see a sharp focus by the Canberra Liberals on major policy areas that affect the lives of every Canberran,” he said.

Deputy Leader Nicole Lawder, will take on Mr Doszpot’s former portfolio of Urban Services.

“She will be responsible for many core local government functions and I know that Nicole will carry on Steve’s good work,” Mr Coe said.

Ms Lawder’s current portfolio of Planning and Infrastructure will be split, with Mark Parton adding Planning to his existing Housing portfolio. Mr Coe will take on Infrastructure as part of his oversight of capital works as Shadow Treasurer, as well as Innovation.

“I have added Innovation to my portfolios to make clear the Canberra Liberals’ commitment to promoting innovation in Canberra, in particular in business and in the ACT Government’s provision of key public services such as education, transport, planning and urban services,” he said.

Mr Coe said Andrew Walls’ new portfolios of Business and Employment, Higher Education and Training, and Tourism, would allow a stronger focus on ”these vital drivers of the ACT economy”.

Elizabeth Lee will add Education to her existing portfolios of Disability and Environment.

“The Education portfolio will be dedicated to our primary and secondary schools, where standards in English, Mathematics and Science have declined so much over many years,” he said.

Mr Doszpot’s replacement in the Assembly, Candice Burch, economist and former assistant director in the Department of Finance, will take on Mr Coe’s former portfolio of Transport as well as a new portfolio of Public Sector Management.

“Both portfolios will make good use of her experience in the Commonwealth Department of Finance. The Public Sector Management portfolio will include whole-of-service issues such as office accommodation, insurance and recruitment,” Mr Coe said.

He said the Canberra Liberals was a team with diverse backgrounds and a wealth of knowledge and experience. “We look forward to serving the people of Canberra,” Mr Coe said.

The Canberra Liberals team is:

Alistair Coe

• Leader of the Opposition
• Treasurer
• Economic Development
• Innovation

Nicole Lawder

• Deputy Leader of the Opposition
• Urban Services
• Seniors
• Heritage

Andrew Wall

• Opposition Whip
• Business and Employment
• Higher Education and Training
• Tourism

Candice Burch

• Transport
• Public Sector Management

Vicki Dunne

• Health
• Arts

Jeremy Hanson

• Attorney-General
• Veterans’ Affairs

Giulia Jones

• Police and Emergency Services
• Corrections
• Women

Elizabeth Kikkert

• Families, Youth and Community Services
• Multicultural Affairs

James Milligan

• Indigenous Affairs
• Sport and Recreation

Mark Parton

• Planning
• Housing
• Gaming and Racing

Elizabeth Lee

• Education
• Environment
• Disability