Adrian Schrinner announces civic cabinet with equal split of men and women

Brisbane’s incoming Lord Mayor has revealed his cabinet, which has an equal split between men and women — plus a small but significant change to “modernise” their titles.

BRISBANE’S incoming Lord Mayor has revealed his civic cabinet, which has an even split of men and women, plus a small but significant change to “modernise” their titles.

COUNCIL REJECTS EVEN SPLIT FOR WOMEN ON BOARDS

There will be four men in Adrian Schrinner’s cabinet: himself, Cr Matthew Bourke, Cr Peter Matic and Cr Ryan Murphy.

There will also be four women: incoming deputy mayor Krista Adams, Cr Amanda Cooper, Cr Vicki Howard and Cr Fiona Hammond.

Lord Mayor elect Adrian Schrinner has announced his new civic cabinet. Picture: AAP/Josh Woning.

Cr Schrinner said his new cabinet included a “new injection of talent” from Cr Murphy and Cr Hammond but was also full of experienced councillors.

“The fact that it’s a completely (gender) balanced team wasn’t intentional, it’s just about putting the right person in the right job,” Cr Schrinner said.

“But obviously it’s a nice benefit.”

Deputy Mayor elect Krista Adams will keep the Finance and Economic Development portfolio. Picture: AAP/Josh Woning

He said the fact that local politicians did not need to fly to Canberra or the capital city to do their job meant city council attracted a broader range of representatives.

“I think that’s a fantastic thing for the people of Brisbane getting that increased representation and having more women running for positions in council is a great thing.”

Cr Fiona Hammond (Marchant) will step into the civic cabinet at Parks, Environment and Sustainability chair. Picture: Richard Walker

Traditionally, every councillor in charge of a portfolio — regardless of gender — is officially referred to as “chairman” but Cr Schrinner decided to change the title to “chair”.

“To me, in my mind, there’s no difference whether you’re a chair or a chairman so there’s no need for the bit on the end,” he said.

“There’s some people that love to keep those traditions alive and I respect those views.

“As Lord Mayor you get to make these decisions and this is my decision and I’m quite happy to modernise the way we look at these important positions.”

Cr Ryan Murphy (Doboy) will take over Cr Schrinner’s previous portfolio Public and Active Transport, in charge of delivering Brisbane Metro and the green bridges. Picture: BCC

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s Civic Cabinet

Cr David McLachlan stepped down from his position as chairman of Environment, Parks and Sustainability to be replaced by Cr Fiona Hammond nee King (Marchant).

The Lord Mayor-elect on Sunday promised the biggest ever investment in the city’s history into parks and green spaces.

Deputy Mayor Krista Adams will remain Finance boss, Cr Amanda Cooper will retain Infrastructure and Cr Vicki Howard will keep Field Services.

Cr Amanda Cooper (Bracken Ridge) will continue as the chair of Infrastructure. Picture: Ellen-Maree Elliot

Cr Schrinner handed his own Public and Active Transport portfolio — which houses Brisbane Metro and his signature green bridges policy — to City Hall’s youngest councillor.

Cr Ryan Murphy (Doboy), whose ward neighbours Cr Schrinner’s, was elected in 2012 and is currently deputy chair of City Planning and deputy chair of council.

Cr Matthew Bourke (Jamboree) will keep the City Planning portfolio. Picture: Peter Cronin

Lord Mayor challenger Peter Matic will stay in the cabinet in charge of Lifestyle and Community Services and Cr Matthew Bourke will keep City Planning.

“The new Cabinet members are experienced local Councillors and will bring fresh energy and fresh ideas to our work as we continue the very strong legacy that we have helped create,” Cr Schrinner said.

Cr Vicki Howard (Central) will continue in her role as Field Services chair.

Party whip Cr Andrew Wines (Enoggera) will take as chair of council from Cr Angela Owen, whose chairing of meetings has previously come under fire.

Cr Owen announced last week that she would run for the federal seat of Moreton.

Peter Matic (Toowong) will remain the Lifestyle and Community Services chair. Picture: Richard Walker

THE FULL LIST

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

Deputy Mayor and Finance and Economic Development Chair Krista Adams

City Planning Chair Matthew Bourke

Infrastructure Chair Amanda Cooper

Environment, Parks & Sustainability Chair Fiona Hammond (nee King)

Field Services Chair Vicki Howard

Lifestyle & Community Services Chair Peter Matic

Public & Active Transport Chair Ryan Murphy