THE state government of Victoria has announced changes, with three new members of Cabinet beng sworn in.
Natalie Hutchins, Shaun Leane and Danny Pearson are joining the ministry.
Formerly Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Natalie Hutchins is taking up the portfolios of Victim Support and Corrections, Youth Justice, and Crime Prevention.
Shaun Leane becomes Minister for Suburban Development, as well as Minister for Local Government and Minister for Veterans.
As Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Regulatory Reform, Danny Pearson is to work closely with the Treasurer to deliver the Budget. As Minister for Government Services, he will oversee the public sector, cyber security and citizen digital transaction reform.
Martin Pakula is to take on the portfolio of Industry Support and Recovery – helping Victorian businesses navigate restrictions and restart their operations in a COVIDsafe economy.
Recognising their importance to our state’s ability to grow new jobs, Minister Pakula will also take responsibility for the development of the Docklands precinct, Fishermans Bend and the Footscray precinct as part of the new Business Precincts portfolio.
Ben Carroll is to step into the roles of Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Roads and Road Safety.
Jaala Pulford takes up the role of creating jobs and overseeing Working for Victoria as Minister for Employment. She will also serve as Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business.
Melissa Horne is to serve as the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation and Minister for Fishing and Boating, in addition to continuing her role as Minister for Ports and Freight.
In addition to her role as Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan is to lead the delivery of our biggest public transport project and reshape our suburbs as the Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop.
Container Transport Alliance Australia director Neil Chambers welcomed the retention of the Freight and Ports portfolio by Melissa Horne.
“There is lots to do in Victoria in this important portfolio, including developing protocols and indicators of container logistics chain performance through the Port of Melbourne,” Mr Chambers said.
“So, it’s a good outcome that the incumbent Minister can continue to apply her attention to these issues.”
Mr Chambers also welcomed Ben Carroll as the new Minister for Roads and Road Safety.
“This is an important portfolio, as we continue to need road infrastructure investment in Victoria to accommodate higher productivity freight vehicles and improve road safety outcomes,” he said.
VTA CEO Peter Anderson said the Association has enjoyed a respectful and productive working relationship with the Victorian government which has led to the development of roads and road safety policy that generates positive productivity and safety outcomes for members and the Victorian community.
“There are a number of projects underway where we are working with the Victorian Government to improve and streamline processes for operators, such as the current heavy vehicle licensing review the VTA has been tasked with leading, and which we see as critical for attracting Victorians to a career as a heavy vehicle driver, and dramatically improving safety standards across the industry,” Mr Anderson said.
“The Andrews Government has recognised the opportunity to improve safety within our industry and at the same time address the current skills shortages we are facing with its commitment of $4 million over four years to attract 800 new drivers to the industry welcome validation of the partnership approach the VTA has advocated to make our roads and drivers safer.”
