Ivanhoe MP Anthony Carbines to take over aged care, disability portfolios

Daniel Andrews has revealed who will take over Luke Donnellan’s previous portfolios, after the MP’s “unexpected” exit from cabinet.

Anthony Carbines is set to be promoted into the Andrews government’s cabinet.

Ivanhoe MP Anthony Carbines has been promoted into Daniel Andrews’ cabinet after being sworn in early Monday morning.

Mr Carbines will take over the portfolios of aged care and disability vacated by Luke Donnellan, who stood down from his position because he allegedly paid for other people’s Labor party memberships.

The accusation was aired at anti-corruption hearings and Mr Donnellan resigned without being pressured to do so.

Premier Daniel Andrews said at the time that the decision had been unexpected.

In a statement, Mr Andrews confirmed the new role for Mr Carbines.

“In addition to being a great local member, Anthony has held a number of parliamentary secretary positions throughout his time in office, most recently as Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers,” he said.

“He’ll bring this passion for helping people to his portfolios of Disability, Ageing and Carers, and Child Protection and Family Services.

“In his inaugural speech to Parliament, Anthony quoted former NSW Premier Jack Lang about the importance of the Labor Party in making social gains for Australians – and I have no doubt he’ll keep those words from the ‘Big Fella’ in the front of his mind as he tackles the work of these incredibly important portfolios.”

First elected in 2010, the 46-year-old parliamentary secretary for health has the backing of right-aligned factions within Victorian Labor that have signed a stability deal with the premier’s Socialist Left group.

Mr Carbines has previously worked as a journalist at the Geelong Advertiser, as a councillor in Banyule and as a chief of staff for former Labor MP Bronwyn Pike.

His stepmother Elaine Carbines was also an upper house MP from 1999 until 2006.