New Victorian Cabinet reveals change for ECEC portfolio

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) will be included in the Education portfolio, and will be led by Minister James Merlino, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed in an announcement yesterday.

Mr Merlino will take on responsibility for ECEC, taking over the portfolio from Jenny Mikakos, who prior to the recent election was Minister for Families and Children, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth Affairs.

The Cabinet has received praise for its equitable make up, with the Cabinet having 50 per cent women, and 50 per cent of the lead Ministers of Government departments being women.

Mr Merlino, who is also Deputy Premier, will continue in his pre election role as Education Minister, as the Andrew’s Government works to roll out universal three-year old kindergarten programs as promised in the lead up to the election.

Ms Mikakos will see a shift in priorities, taking on the role of Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services, charged with delivering a hospital building program and rolling out the Free School Dental Program.

The Cabinet will be supported in their work by a number of Machinery of Government changes, effective from 1 January 2019.