Governor Kate Warner swears in new Liberal Government ministers
THE re-elected Hodgman Government’s new Cabinet has been sworn in, with the Premier praising his Health Minister for putting his hand up to do the tough job again.
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THE re-elected Hodgman Government’s new Cabinet has been sworn in, with the Premier praising his Health Minister for putting his hand up to do the tough job again.
Mr Hodgman unveiled his nine-member ministry on Tuesday, including three women and promoting Bass MP Sarah Courtney and Braddon’s Roger Jaensch.
MORE: WHO’S WHO IN HODGMAN’S NEW-LOOK CABINET
Michael Ferguson was retained as Health Minister, despite appearing noncommittal about the tough portfolio before the election.
Mr Ferguson presided over a system that lost the confidence of medical staff, resulting in the decision to remove Tasmanian Health Service chief David Alcorn.
“Michael Ferguson, to his credit, realises that health is an issue, he’ll stick the course unlike Rebecca White,” Mr Hodgman said after the swearing-in ceremony at Government House.
“He wanted to do this job, it’s a fair reflection on his commitment.
“In the past I recall former Labor health ministers crying, saying they were relieved to be without the portfolio and happy to move into other areas.”
Former human services minister Jacquie Petrusma was stripped of the portfolio but remains minister for disabilities, Aboriginal affairs, women and sport.
“It’s a special occasion for me and my team to be recommissioned to lead Tasmania’s government for the next four years,” Mr Hodgman said.
“We have a strong plan, I’ve got a very strong team, we’re focused on delivering for Tasmanians.”
Labor leader Rebecca White announced her Shadow Cabinet on Wednesday.
MORE: WHITE REVEALS HER NEW LABOR TEAM
The State Government will advertise this week to replace the Premier’s outgoing chief of staff Brad Stansfield, who will finish in the job at the end of the week.
The Government’s head of communications Vanessa Field will act in the role until a permanent replacement is recruited.
Mr Hodgman said recruitment had been delayed until the result of the election was known.
“It will be a nationwide search, I’m sure there will be plenty of interest in it,” he said.
Mr Stansfield is largely credited with running the Liberals’ successful campaign for re-election.
He is yet to reveal his future plans but Mr Hodgman said he would not fill the vacant position of secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
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