Victoria has its second female attorney-general, with Jill Hennessy named chief law officer in a major shake-up of Premier Daniel Andrews’ cabinet.
Ms Hennessy will be replaced as health minister by another left-faction woman, Jenny Mikakos.
There are also changes to the state’s bureaucracy, with two new departments — Transport and Jobs; Precincts and Regions — created.
Martin Pakula moves from the law to head up the Government’s efforts on Jobs and Trade. He also adds Sport and Tourism, while retaining Racing.
In an unusual move, Upper House MP Jaclyn Symes has been assigned a ministry before being formally elected.
Should she hold onto her Northern Victorian spot, she will become the minister for regional development, agriculture and resource.
With the Andrews Government set to borrow $25 billion over a decade to build the Airport Rail Link, North-East Link and remove more level crossings, the new-look Cabinet is focused on infrastructure delivery.
The Premier has divided some portfolios, with Jacinta Allan the lead minister in an all-female transport team.
Rookie MP Melissa Horne has been appointed to Public Transport, and Ports and Freight, while Jaala Pulford takes on Roads, as well as the new Ministry of Fishing and Boating.
“Our record infrastructure investment means more jobs for Victorians, as well as new and growing industries,” Mr Andrews said.
“It also means we need to train more Victorians to give them the skills they need, for the jobs they want.”
Somyurek reclaims previous role
Adam Somyurek wears a navy suit and a spotty tie. Controversially, factional powerbroker Adem Somyurek returns. In 2015, the Premier forced him out of the Cabinet after allegations he bullied his female chief of staff, Dimity Paul.
Mr Somyruek returns to the Small Business portfolio and will also be Local Government Minister.
His factional ally, Marlene Kairouz, retains oversight of Liquor and Gambling, while adding Suburban Development, which Lily D’Ambrosio has lost.
The Mill Park MP remains in charge of Climate Change and Environment, and adds the new post as Minister for Solar Homes.
“She will have responsibility for Solar Victoria as it rolls out our massive program of solar panels, solar hot water systems and batteries to keep power bills down,” Mr Andrews said.
In a sign crime was an issue at the state election, Ben Carroll takes on Corrections, Youth Justice and Crime Prevention, as well as the new role as Minister for Victim Support.
Mr Andrews announced on Tuesday his Cabinet would have equal representation of women for the first time in the state’s history.
In other changes:
Luke Donnellan leaves Roads and takes on Community Services, Child Protection and Disability Support
Richard Wynne keeps Planning and adds Multicultural Affairs and Housing, a portfolio he held in the Brumby government
James Merlino remains Education Minister, but drops Emergency Services, which Police Minister Lisa Neville has added to her role
Martin Foley remains as Mental Health Minister, an important role ahead of the royal commission into the sector
New minister Gabrielle Williams will spearhead efforts on Family Violence, as well as Minister for Woman
