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Natalie Hutchins will return to Victorian Cabinet in new-look ministry

Daniel Andrews has announced a reshuffle of the Victorian Cabinet after the sacking of MP Adem Somyurek left major holes in Labor’s ministry.

'F**k the premier': Labor powerbroker Adem Somyurek sacked

Premier Daniel Andrews has revealed his new look cabinet after losing three ministers in the fallout of Labor’s explosive branch-stacking scandal.

Shaun Leane, Danny Pearson and Natalie Hutchins were each sworn in as cabinet ministers on Monday morning after being elevated to the front bench.

Ms Hutchins, who stepped down from cabinet following the 2018 election, will serve as minister for Corrections, Youth Justice and Crime Prevention.

Mr Pearson has been appointed Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Regulatory Reform while Mr Leane will be responsible for the Suburban Development portfolio.

Natalie Hutchins will return to the Victorian Cabinet. Picture: Sarah Matray
Natalie Hutchins will return to the Victorian Cabinet. Picture: Sarah Matray

They replace sacked MP Adem Somyurek and his close factional allies Marlene Kairouz and Robin Scott who both resigned last week.

Melissa Horne was dumped as Minister for Public Transport, with the key portfolio going to former corrections minister Ben Carroll.

Ms Horne will now look after the Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Fishing and Boating and Ports and Freight portfolios.

Martin Pakula will take on the key portfolio of Industry Support and Recovery.

As well as navigating a path for the recovery of Victorian businesses affected by coronavirus, he will also take responsibility for the development of the Docklands precinct, Fishermans Bend and the Footscray precinct as part of the new Business Precincts portfolio.

Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek after Premier Daniel Andrews fired him. Picture: David Crosling
Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek after Premier Daniel Andrews fired him. Picture: David Crosling

Transport Infrastructure minister Jacinta Allan has also been appointed Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop.

In a statement Mr Andrews described the new look cabinet as “strong, dedicated and determined.”

shannon.deery@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/premier-could-be-blocked-from-replacing-adem-somyurek-with-danny-pearson/news-story/664028118e5fe96041bbc66da7bc47af