Rebecca White thanks Julie Collins as Tasmanians take their place in Albanese government

Newly minted federal member for Lyons Rebecca White has paid tribute to her Tasmanian colleague as the pair were sworn in to the Albanese government.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with his new Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Indigenous Health, and Women, Rebecca White, and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins.

Newly minted federal member for Lyons, Rebecca White, has paid tribute to the guidance and advice of Tasmanian Labor colleague, Minister Julie Collins, as the pair were sworn in as office holders in the Albanese government in Canberra on Tuesday.

Ms White, a former state opposition leader who becomes Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Indigenous Health, and Women, said the backing of her Franklin counterpart had been invaluable in learning the ropes of the capital.

Federal Lyons MP Rebecca White being sworn in by the Governor General Sam Mostyn on May 13, 2025.

“I have appreciated the support and guidance already shown by my Tasmanian colleagues, in particular Minister Julie Collins, who has helped me navigate the past week in Canberra,” Ms White said.

“We went to the federal election with an ambitious agenda promising to deliver better health outcomes for Tasmanians and indeed all Australians.

“I have a deep interest in the portfolio areas I have been given responsibility for, and the opportunity to work with Minister Mark Butler and Minister Katy Gallagher is a terrific honour.

Rebecca White shakes hands with the Governor General Sam Mostyn at Government House in Canberra. Picture: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

“I admire both of them and I will now get to help the Albanese government deliver on the commitments we’ve made, including strengthening Medicare and more Urgent Care Clinics.

“I’ll be undertaking a number of briefings with the relevant Ministers and departments over the coming days to get my head around what my clear responsibilities will be in my new roles.”

Ms White said that despite her sudden extra workload, she would continue standing up for the interests of Lyons, and would always remain available to her constituents.

“I have always been a member who makes myself available to listen to the community and I will continue to do so,” Ms White said.

“I’m proudly part of this community and it’s a great privilege to serve my electorate in this new role.

“There are lots of similarities between state and federal parliament and as an elected MP my primary responsibly will always be to support my electorate and do my best to represent them well.”

Ms Collins, who returned to her previous Cabinet position as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, described Ms White as “a fighter” who would continue battling for the island state in Canberra.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins shakes hands with Governor-General Sam Mostyn during the swearing-in ceremony at Government House. Picture: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Minister Collins said her own portfolios were particularly important for Tasmanians, and said she was proud of the government’s record of delivering for farmers and producers.

“Tasmania is well represented in the Albanese Labor Government and we will always ensure Tasmanians are front and centre of our decision making,” Ms Collins said.

“It is a great honour to continue representing Australia’s farmers and producers in the Albanese Labor Government as the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and I thank the Prime Minister for this appointment.

“My promise to farmers and producers is that I will never stop listening and engaging with you, so I can be a true representative for you in the Albanese-Labor government.”

Originally published as Rebecca White thanks Julie Collins as Tasmanians take their place in Albanese government