Queensland politics: Steven Miles announces new cabinet after taking on premier role

Queensland’s new premier has revealed major changes in his new cabinet - with a big shift in how his government will prepare for the Olympics.

Queensland’s new premier has revealed the ministers he wants standing by his side as the government prepares for an election year, while shifting the focus away from the upcoming Olympics games.

The 19 ministers, including five fresh faces, were sworn in on Monday, following Premier Steven Miles’ successful tilt at the top job on Friday.

Mr Miles then presented his new-look cabinet, which saw the axing of three Olympic-related portfolios.

Premier Steven Miles says his government is committed to Queenslanders. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Instead, Grace Grace will take on the responsibility for the 2032 Games as part of her new portfolio as state development, infrastructure, industrial relations and racing minister.

Mr Miles said his decision to shift the focus away from Olympics was to ensure the government could get back to providing for Queenslanders.

“I think the discussion got distracted, that took the oxygen away from what our real priorities were,” he said.

“They were always about the chance to put our city and state on a global stage and a chance to deliver transport infrastructure to make it easier to get around particularly around the south east.

“All I’m really doing here is really resetting the discussion to what was always the aspiration; that Brisbane (2032) would deliver on state development and infrastructure.”

Ms Grace, who represents the inner Brisbane City electorate of McConnel, said her ability to understand what the southeast needs as part of its Olympic preparation will play an important part in her role.

Grace Grace will now take over the portfolio of State Development and Infrastructure, which included Olympics planning. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“The Olympics is a fantastic opportunity for this state’s development and infrastructure,” she said.

“It’s a defining decade over the next decade when we hit 2032 and beyond.

“We don’t hate the Olympics, we actually think it’s an incredible opportunity.”

The other new ministers joining cabinet include Nikki Boyd for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Corrective Services, Bart Mellish takes on Transport, Main Roads and Digital Services, while Lance McCallum adopts Employment, Small Business, Training and Skills Development.

Lance McCallum becomes the first First Indigenous man to hold a position in Queensland cabinet. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

The new Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish, will take over the portfolio from Mark Bailey. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Charis Mullen will take up the Child Safety, Seniors, Disability Services and Multicultural Arts portfolio while Michael Healy becomes the Tourism and Sport minister.

“With fresh faces comes fresh ideas, which is exactly what we need as we charge into a new year,” Mr Miles said.

“I want to thank new Ministers Nikki, Bart, Lance, Charis and Michael for welcoming their new responsibilities.

“I have every confidence they will be effective leaders.

“My team will hit the ground running to unite our great state and deliver what matters most for Queenslanders.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles presents his new cabinet after getting elected as Labor leader. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Miles government ministry

• Premier: Steven Miles
  
• Deputy Premier: Cameron Dick
• Other portfolios: Treasurer, Trade and Investment
• Minister for State Development and Infrastructure: Grace Grace
  
• Other portfolios: Industrial Relations and Racing
• Minister for Health: Shannon Fentiman
  
• Other portfolios: Mental Health, Ambulances and Women
• Attorney-General: Yvette D’Ath
  
• Other portfolios: Justice and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
• Minister for a Clean Economy: Michael De Brenni
  
• Other portfolios: Jobs
• Minister of Housing: Meaghan Scanlon
  
• Other portfolios: Local Government and Planning, Public Works
• Minister of Police: Mark Ryan
• Other portfolios: Community safety
• Minister of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships: Leanne Enoch
• Other portfolios: Treaty, Communities, Arts
• Minister of Education: Dianne Farmer
• Other portfolios:Youth Justice
  
• Minister of Agricultural Industry Development: Mark Furner
• Other portfolios: Fisheries, Rural Communities
• Minister of Regional Development: Glenn Butcher
  
• Other portfolios: Manufacturing and Water
• Minister of Resources: Scott Stewart
• Other portfolios: Critical Minerals
• Environment: Leanne Linard
  
• Other portfolios: Great Barrier Reef, Science and Innovation
• Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery: Nikki Boyd
• Other portfolio: Corrective Services
• Minister for Transport: Bart Mellish
  
• Other portfolios: Main Roads and Digital Services
• Minister for Employment: Lance McCallum
  
• Other portfolios: Small Business, Training and Skills Development
• Child Safety: Charis Mullen
• Other portfolios: Seniors and Disability Services, Multicultural Affairs
• Tourism and sport: Michael Healy