The Liberals’ Zed Seselja has announced his shadow cabinet utilising all seven of his available member with Vicki Dunne in the Speaker’s chair:
“This Shadow Cabinet takes a different approach than we have before, and introduces a range of new portfolios, new ideas and new ways of addressing the needs of the Territory. This new Shadow Cabinet will demonstrate our commitment to addressing the things that really matter to Canberrans,” said Mr Seselja.
“First and foremost is the issue of Cost of Living. I have created a new portfolio specifically dedicated to making Cost of Living a number one focus for our team. It’s is a new portfolio and one I will be taking carriage of personally.”
“Another new portfolio is Utilities. Water and energy costs and management are just as important as water and energy provision and sustainability, and I will be personally taking on this crucial aspect of our new cabinet.
“I will also be taking on the Shadow Attorney General portfolio, and grouping that with related areas like Police, Corrections, Emergency Services and Industrial Relations. These are all related areas and it makes managerial sense to have them grouped together.”
“My Deputy Brendan Smyth retains the Treasury portfolio but we have added a new area of Economic Diversification that Brendan has championed for many years. He will also pick up Environment and the Arts to add to Business, Tourism, Gambling and Racing.
“Alistair Coe has been an excellent TAMS Shadow and now picks up Planning and Infrastructure as well as Transport to bring all transport infrastructure into one area. The importance of getting our roads right remains an important focus for the Canberra Liberals and Alistair will be the perfect person to champion this cause. Alistair will also be the Liberal party Whip.
“Jeremy Hanson retains Health and Veterans Affairs, but will pick up Family and Community Services, Housing and Disability Services. The community sector have long called for this alignment and we believe it makes sense. After performing so strongly in Health these other areas would benefit from his discipline and integrity.
“Steve Doszpot retains the important Education portfolio but picks up another new portfolio for the Canberra Liberals – ICT. ICT is a massively important area in our city and deserves better than the current arrangements. Steve’s background in the IT industry will serve the community well in this area. Steve picks up Ageing and retains Sport and Recreation.
“We welcome our two newest members into Shadow Cabinet. Giulia Jones will be Shadow Minister for Women and Multicultural Affairs, and Andrew Wall will be Shadow Minister for Youth and Indigenous Affairs.