Eric Abetz and Jane Howlett given ministries as Premier reveals new cabinet

The Premier’s new cabinet has been revealed and he’s been quick to reward some of his newcomers with ministries, including giving Jane Howlett a portfolio she copped criticism over two years ago.

David Killick

@davidjkillick

3 min read

April 10, 2024 - 5:46PM

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announces his new cabinet. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tasmania

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House of Assembly newcomers Eric Abetz and Jane Howlett are the big winners in the Liberal’s new ministry announced on Wednesday in which several portfolios disappeared as part of a streamlining of responsibilities.

Tasmania no longer has a minister for Science and Technology or a Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries.

And the words “climate change”, “Antarctica” or “stadia” no longer appear in job titles.

Mr Abetz, a former Senator, joins cabinet as the Minister for Transport, also responsible for the new portfolio of Industry and Resources and as Leader of the House.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announces his new cabinet. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Howlett returns as the Minister for Racing and Minister for Primary Industry and Water.

She resigned as a minister in the Gutwein Government in February 2022 for family reasons.

Many key portfolios appointments remain unchanged: Michael Ferguson will continue as Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure, Guy Barnett will remain Attorney-General and Minister for Health and Felix Ellis is back as Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management.

Jo Palmer becomes Education Minister, leaving Roger Jaensch with Children and Youth.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff will take on responsibility for Trade and Hospitality and Tourism and Hospitality, handing Mental Health and Wellbeing to Mr Barnett.

Revealing the new appointments in Hobart on Wednesday afternoon, an upbeat Mr Rockliff said he was looking forward to parliament returning.

“This is a new era of cooperation and collaboration,” he announced, noting that his priority was on “a workable parliament.”

“Parliament is a contest of ideas and I want to ensure parliament is not a place for insults and personal attacks and disruption but the contest of ideas as the Tasmanian people would expect it to be.

“I’m a good listener, my ears are well and truly open to ensuring that we are doing the best job we possibly can for the Tasmanian people.”

Mr Rockliff revealed he had already been to see Governor Barbara Baker about forming a government — and was confident of his numbers, despite his deal with Lambie Network MPs leaving him one vote short the 18 needed for majority.

“I am very confident, yes. We will be making any agreement, of course, open and transparent for everyone to see. The discussions I’ve had I can assure supply and confidence.”

Mr Rockliff did not reveal who had assured him of the final vote he needed, but confirmed he had established a good working relationship with Labor MP turned independent David O’Byrne.

“I’ve had very good discussion with David,” he said. “David has been in and around parliament for a very long time.

“I enjoy working with David, he’s a very committed person he sticks up for the battler very strongly and David also wants a parliament that works.”

Mr Rockliff said he would also talk further with MPs Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland.

“I can work with everyone or anyone,” he said. “It’s in my nature to be collaborative and constructive.

“I want to ensure that the parliament is workable. It became unworkable, which is why I called the election.”

Among other appointments announced on Wednesday, returning MP Jacquie Petrusma becomes the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Simon Wood will become Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

The new ministry will be sworn in on Thursday, parliament will resume on May 14. and the budget will be handed down in August or September, Mr Rockliff said.

Parliament last sat in early December.