Mary-Anne Thomas appointed Victoria’s new Agriculture Minister

Mary-Anne Thomas has been appointed Victoria’s new Agriculture Minister, with Jaclyn Symes stepping into the role of Attorney-General.

Mary-Anne Thomas, pictured here in 2018, is Victoria’s new Agriculture Minister. Picture: AAP

VICTORIA has a new Agriculture and Regional Development Minister.

Mary-Anne Thomas, member for Macedon, has today been sworn in as a member of Cabinet, taking on the two portfolios.

Current Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes will step into the role of Attorney-General, after Jill Hennessy stepped back from the ministerial role last week to spend more time with her family.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the changes in a statement today.

“Since her election in 2014, Mary-Anne has been an unwavering voice for the people of her community – and people in regional communities across our state,” he said.

“She’ll bring that same determined sense of advocacy and enthusiasm as our state’s new Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Agriculture.”

Ms Thomas has been Cabinet Secretary since November 2016.

Sonya Kilkenny, member for Carrum, will serve as the new Cabinet Secretary.

According to Mr Thomas’ website, she grew up in a small farming community in northeast Victoria and began her working life as a secondary teacher before becoming an advisor to Lynne Kosky, the former Minister for Post-Compulsory Education, Employment and Training.

She has also been head of communications in the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Prior to entering Parliament, she held senior roles at the National Bank of Australia and children right’s and international development organisation Plan International.

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