James Merlino named new Victorian Minister for Mental Health
Deputy Premier James Merlino is set to replace Martin Foley as Victoria’s new mental health minister after a cabinet reshuffle today.
Victoria
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Deputy premier James Merlino has been announced as Victoria’s new mental health minister.
Mr Merlino will juggle the role with his responsibilities as Education minister.
He replaces Martin Foley who took over as health minister last week following the abrupt resignation of Jenny Mikakos.
Announcing a minor cabinet reshuffle today Daniel Andrews said the mental health role was critical.
“Rebuilding our mental health system is one of our most important priorities,” he said.
“It’s why I’ve asked Deputy Premier James Merlino to take charge of this reform and deliver on every one of the recommendations of the Royal Commission.”
The findings of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System will be delivered early next year.
Mr Andrews said the government was committed to significant mental health reform.
Ingrid Stitt joined the ministry filling the vacancy left by Ms Mikakos.
Ms Stitt, who represents the Western Metropolitan electorate in the upper house, was sworn in this afternoon.
The married mother of two was first elected to parliament at the 2018 election.
Before that she was secretary of the Australian Services Union.
She has become Victoria’s new Workplace Safety minister.
She will also take on the role of minister for Early Childhood, overseeing the rollout of three-year-old kinder across the state.
Danny Pearson, who joined the ministry earlier this year in a shakeup following the sacking of Adem Somyurek and resignations of Marelene Kairouz and Robin Scott, is the new minister for Creative Industries.
Gayle Tierney has been appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.
“I know Ingrid Stitt will be an outstanding contributor to our Cabinet, bringing her dedication to delivering safer workplaces and overseeing those critical early years for our youngest Victorians,” Mr Andrews said.
“Our creative sector is a big part of what makes Victoria so special – and Danny Pearson will do a terrific job leading its recovery and reinvention after tough times.
“Gayle Tierney is one of our most experienced upper house members. Together with Jaclyn Symes, she’ll play a vital role in delivering our reform agenda as part of our Legislative Council leadership team.”
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