Cabinet reshuffle: Premier Jeremy Rockliff to take on State Development portfolio, announce new health minister

In a new cabinet reshuffle, Premier Jeremy Rockliff is taking on the State Development portfolio to focus on economic growth, creating jobs and restoring business and consumer confidence. LATEST

Premier Jeremy Rockliff at Wrest Point. Picture: Chris Kidd

In a new cabinet reshuffle, Premier Jeremy Rockliff is taking on the State Development portfolio to focus on economic growth, creating jobs and restoring business and consumer confidence.

Mr Rockliff is expected to announce on Sunday who will replace him as health minister.

He is taking over state development from Guy Barnett, a former senator and one of the more experienced ministers, increasing speculation Mr Barnett may be given the poison chalice health portfolio.

Mr Barnett is currently responsible for energy and renewables, construction, housing and veterans’ affairs.

At the opening of an all abilities playground at Somerset on Saturday, Education Minister Roger Jaensch would not be drawn on who would be the next health minister.

“Look the news about what’s happening with those positions is the Premier’s news to share when he’s good and ready,” he said.

“I’m going to leave that to him.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff at Wrest Point. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Rockliff, who has stuck with the tradition of the Premier having the tourism portfolio, said adding state development to his workload sent “a strong message about the priorities of the Government I lead”.

“Coupled with the changes I announced last week to take the politics out of planning, my message is loud and clear that my Liberal government backs economic growth and job creation.

“A confident and strong economy means we will have the resources to invest in things like cost of living relief, health and housing – making our State the best place to live, work and raise a family.

“After nine years of Liberal government, Tasmania’s economy is leading the pack.

“However, Tasmania is not immune to the global and domestic economic headwinds.

“The triple threat of inflation, rising interest rates and a slowdown in the national economy is causing uncertainty and threatening both business and consumer confidence.”

Mr Rockliff recently announced there will be no forced council mergers and that developers will be able to bypass councils and have projects assessed by an expert panel under proposed new legislation.

Since the government came to office in 2014, he said, it had learned “confidence is king” and was needed by businesses.

Mr Rockliff pointed to the state’s record low unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent, returning the budget to surplus pre-Covid and low taxes as significant achievements.

“Our population has grown, business has boomed, investors are buying in, and our State has transformed with new ventures, construction and developments actually happening.

“Our people, place and produce are in demand, because when you say “it’s Tasmanian”, it stands for something and nothing can compete with that.

“By taking on State Development, I will continue to deliver on our long term plan, and do what matters for all Tasmanians.”

Originally published as Cabinet reshuffle: Premier Jeremy Rockliff to take on State Development portfolio, announce new health minister