Bree James named as Assistant Minister for Early Learning in QLD

Bree James has been appointed to the position of Assistant Minister for Early Learning in the newly formed Queensland Cabinet. 

Led by Premier David Crisafulli, the Assistant Ministry is a measure which has been inspired by New South Wales, with the Premier expanding the Assistant Ministry to ten positions to bolster stakeholder engagement and provide a pathway for future leadership.

The Assistant Ministers will be tasked with supporting the Cabinet to deliver the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future, and will have focuses including mental health, community safety, housing supply and multiculturalism.

“We have a bold and ambitious plan for a fresh start for Queensland and our Assistant Ministry will be key in delivering it,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“The fresh faces in this Assistant Ministry are part of generation next and will be instrumental in delivering for Queenslanders.”

Leader of the House Dr Christian Rowan and Trevor Watts will be Assistant Ministers to the Premier on Matters of State and Cabinet, with newly elected Members of Parliament to be appointed to a further eight roles.

The full Assistant Ministry includes:

• Dr Christian Rowan – Assistant Minister to the Premier on Matters of State and New Citizens.
• Trevor Watts – Assistant Minister to the Premier for Cabinet and South West Queensland.
• Amanda Stoker – Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training
• Herman Vorster – Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and International Student Attraction
• Rebecca Young – Assistant Minister to the Deputy Premier and Assistant Minister for Planning, Housing and Better Regulation
• Janelle Poole – Assistant Minister for Community Safety, Defence Industry, Veterans and North Queensland 
• Bryson Head – Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Resources and Critical Minerals.
• Bree James – Assistant Minister for Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland
• Donna Kirkland – Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Families and Seniors and Central Queensland
• Sean Dillion – Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland. 

“These Assistant Ministers are hungry to serve and their energy and hard work will be harnessed to benefit the length and breadth of our State,” the Premier said. 

“With Ministerial accountability a cornerstone of this government, the Assistant Ministry will provide critical support in delivering the programs and services needed for a Fresh Start for Queensland.”

The Premier also announced Pat Weir would be appointed Speaker in the 58th Parliament of Queensland.

“With a decade of experience in the Parliament, Pat has the respect of both sides of the House and will bring a fair and measured approach to the role of Speaker,” he said.

“Having previously served as Temporary Speaker, Pat’s knowledge of Parliamentary standing orders will ensure stability and fairness in the 58th Parliament.”