New Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan unveils revamped Cabinet

Victoria has a new Premier, Jacinta Allan, along with a number of changes to the Victorian Cabinet, including the appointment of a new Minister for Children, a position which brings together the work across government that supports children and families.

Reflecting a major new policy priority, Lizzie Blandthorn (pictured) will become Minister for Children. This includes the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life early childhood education reforms as well as continuing to drive improvements to the state’s child protection system – providing a whole of government focus on child development and wellbeing.

She will also become Minister for Disability, and maintain her responsibilities as Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

Ingrid Stitt, the former Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, will become Minister for Mental Health, as well as becoming the Minister for Ageing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

Other core appointments relevant to the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector include: 

• Deputy Premier Ben Carroll will become Minister for Education. He will also become Minister for Medical Research.

• Tim Pallas will retain his critical responsibilities as Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations. He will also take on an expanded role as Minister for Economic Growth.

• Natalie Hutchins will lead the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions as Minister for Jobs and Industry, along with being the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples. She also retains her position as Minister for Women.

• Danny Pearson will retain his responsibilities as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Worksafe and the TAC, as well as becoming the Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop.

• Gayle Tierney will become Minister for Skills and TAFE. She will also become Minister for Regional Development.

The ministry was sworn in yesterday, and will be supported in their work by a number of Machinery of Government changes, effective from early 2024.