New Premier Announces New Cabinet

Premier Ben Carroll has announced a reshuffled Victorian Cabinet, introducing a smaller ministry and a number of changes to key portfolios as the government prepares for the November state election.

Mr Carroll said the ministry had been reduced in size as a cost-saving measure, while several ministers have taken on new responsibilities across major government portfolios.

Among the changes is the creation of a new Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, with Anthony Carbines appointed to the role alongside Major Events, Medical Research and Economic Development. He will also retain Racing and Leader of the House.

Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams will oversee Education, Women and Gender Equality, Skills and Training, and First Peoples.

Colin Brooks has been appointed Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations, while Paul Edbrooke takes over as Minister for Police, Emergency Services, Crime Prevention and Multicultural Affairs.

Paul Hamer becomes Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Tim Richardson takes on Local Government, Consumer Affairs and Renters, and Ingrid Stitt will oversee Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services.

Other significant changes include Jaclyn Symes becoming Minister for Energy and Resources, the State Electricity Commission, Climate Action and Environment, Vicki Ward taking over Public Transport, and Nick Staikos assuming responsibility for Housing, Building and Precincts, Homelessness and Seniors.

Anthony Carbines, Melissa Horne, Sonya Kilkenny, Michaela Settle, Ros Spence, Natalie Suleyman and Enver Erdogan have also received expanded or revised portfolios as part of the reshuffle.

The changes come just days after Mr Carroll was sworn in as Premier following Jacinta Allan’s resignation, with the new ministry expected to lead the government into the Victorian election in November.