First openly gay frontbenchers join Andrews cabinet, record number of women

Daniel Andrews’ new cabinet has been sworn into parliament one week after four of his most senior ministers resigned.

Governor Linda Dessau, left, and the new Deputy Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, at Government House on Monday. Picture: AAP

The Victorian government’s new team has been sworn in, with two openly gay ministers joining the frontbench and a record number of women in cabinet.

It comes after four of Daniel Andrews’ most senior ministers last week announced that they would resign.

New Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan, who will retain her transport portfolio, said it was an honour to have been unanimously supported by her colleagues after they signed off on her new role at a caucus meeting on Saturday.

“There is some history associated with my appointment … to this role being only the second woman and also very few Labor members of parliament have had this privilege, and very few people from regional Victoria,” she said.

“Regardless of your postcode, or your gender … under the leadership and reform of a Daniel ­Andrews-led government, we are a community … that is inclusive, that sees strong performance ­rewarded.”

Harriet Shing, an openly gay woman, was sworn in at Government House on Monday and said she was “delighted” to pick up outgoing health minister Martin Foley’s equality portfolio and ­“determined to make sure we continue Martin’s fine work.” She will also take on the water and ­regional development portfolios.

Steve Dimopoulous, sworn in as Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Creative Industries Minister, said he always felt comfortable with his sexuality and partner while working as a member of the Andrews government.

Former Speaker Colin Brooks was sworn in as Child Protection and Family Services and Dis­ability, Ageing and Carers Minister. Lizzie Blandthorn was sworn in as Planning Minister and will become leader of the house in the legislative assembly.

Mr Andrews said he was ­delighted more than half of his cabinet was made up of female ministers, with 14 in total.