Victorian state election 2018: Daniel Andrews unveils new Cabinet
Premier Daniel Andrews has unveiled Victoria’s first Cabinet with a 50-50 gender split — but it means a big demotion for a popular frontbencher.
Victoria State Election
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A rookie Labor MP has been elevated straight into Daniel Andrews’s new Cabinet, which for the first time in Victorian history will have an equal split of women and men.
Melissa Horne is one of three new frontbench faces, along with factional powerbroker Adem Somyurek, who returns after he was forced out in 2015 over bullying allegations.
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Upper house MP Jaclyn Symes has been promoted straight into the leadership team, but her place will not be approved immediately because she is at risk of losing her Northern Victoria seat.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams is the other addition, replacing John Eren, Natalie Hutchins and Philip Dalidakis, who was pushed out in today’s reshuffle.
Former emergency services minister Jane Garrett was chosen as a new parliamentary secretary, along with Essendon MP Danny Pearson, Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke and Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny.
It comes as the Liberal Party awaits a decision from Matthew Guy on his future.
He is expected to step down as leader, with Shadow Treasurer Michael O’Brien and Shadow Attorney-General John Pesutto in line to replace him, although there are serious concerns Mr Pesutto will lose his seat of Hawthorn.
Liberals want a woman as deputy leader but just three are certain lower house MPs, as Heidi Victoria fell 185 votes behind in Bayswater while Louise Staley crept in front by 29 votes in Ripon.
Mr Andrews said he was “very proud” to have a gender equal Cabinet “in stark contrast to others”.
Breaking: Daniel Andrews announces new ministerial lineup. Half of the Cabinet are women. John Eren, Nat Hutchins, Philip Dalidakis out. Adem Somyurek, Jaclyn Symes, Gabrielle Williams, Melissa Horne in. @theheraldsun #springst pic.twitter.com/svMiUZq5yA
— Tom Minear (@tminear) November 27, 2018
He praised Ms Horne, the new Williamstown MP, for her work at the Level Crossing Removal Authority. She said joining Cabinet was “pretty daunting” and “terrifying”.
Mr Andrews welcomed his “very good friend” Mr Somyurek back to the frontbench, who said he was “humbled” to rejoin the ministerial team.
The Premier also praised Mr Dalidakis for the “very gracious way” he stepped aside.
It is understood he will chair the public accounts and estimates committee, and Labor sources say he will be in line to returnto Cabinet in the future.
If Ms Symes is formally re-elected, her elevation to upper house deputy leader comes at the expense of Jaala Pulford.
Bundoora MP Colin Brooks will likely remain Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, while electrician-turned-MP Shaun Leane is tipped to become President of the Legislative Council.
The new ministerial portfolios will be announced as early as Wednesday.
Twitter: @tminear
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