Vic Opposition party reshuffle sees appointment of new minister for early childhood

Victoria has a new shadow minister for early childhood following the weekend announcement of a new shadow cabinet by Victorian Opposition leader Michael O’Brien.

Dr Matthew Bach will take on responsibility for early childhood, higher education and child safety in the change. 

Dr Bach, former high school teacher and now Upper House MP, will take on the roles of child protection, early childhood, higher education, training and skills, and will also be secretary to the shadow cabinet.

Tim Smith, Kew MP, will also have extensive responsibilities in the changes, taking on emergency services, resources, industrial relations and manufacturing, while shadow police minister David Southwick will add youth justice and crime prevention to his responsibilities. 

Brad Rowswell will take on responsibility for the energy portfolio, David Davis will take on planning, David Morris will be responsible for local government and housing, and Bridget Vallence will overseeing equality. 

Speaking with the ABC, Mr O’Brien expressed his pride in the “young, bright, energetic MPs” stepping forward to help shape policy pitches and to rebuild Victoria.

To read the ABC coverage of this story, please see here.