Dear members,  

The Victorian Labor Government has unveiled its new Ministry after five senior Ministers signalled their intention to retire later this year. The new Ministry was sworn in at Government House today (Monday 27 June 2022). 

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan will replace James Merlino as deputy premier. Ms Allan is only the second female deputy premier in Victoria's history, and Master Builders Victoria (MBV) congratulates her on her historic achievement. Ms Allan retains her Transport Infrastructure and Suburban Rail Loop portfolios and adds the new portfolio of Commonwealth Games Delivery. 

Other changes across the Ministry that are relevant to our industry include: 

  • Tim Pallas remains Treasurer and Minister for Economic Development but also becomes Minister for Trade. 
  • Lizzie Blandthorn has been appointed the new Minister for Planning and takes on responsibility for government business in the Legislative Assembly as Leader of the House. 
  • Danny Pearson becomes the new Minister for Housing in addition to his existing responsibilities as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Regulatory Reform. 
  • Ben Carroll has been appointed Minister for Industry Support and Recovery and Minister for Business Precincts, in addition to his existing responsibilities as Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Roads and Road Safety. 
  • Melissa Horne adds Suburban Development and Local Government to her responsibilities in Consumer Affairs and Ports and Freight. 
  • Harriet Shing is the new Minister for Regional Development, in addition to the Minister for Water and the Minister for Equality. 
  • Gabrielle Williams takes on a revised Treaty and First Peoples portfolio and assumes responsibility for Mental Health. 
  • Maree Edwards was elected to replace Mr Brooks as speaker, while Natalie Suleyman will become deputy speaker. 
  • Steve Dimopoulos becomes Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Minister for Creative Industries. 
  • Lily D'Ambrosio retains her existing Energy, Environment and Climate Change, and Solar Homes portfolio. 
  • Jaala Pulford retains responsibility for Small Business. 

MBV congratulates all new Ministers on their appointment to Cabinet. We have already begun our engagement with members of the new Ministry. MBV continues to brief incoming Ministers on the most pressing issues for our industry, which is especially important in this state election year. 

MBV acknowledges the contribution of the retiring Ministers – James Merlino, Martin Foley, Lisa Neville, Martin Pakula, and Richard Wynne – for their enormous contribution to the state and their engagement and support for our industry, primarily through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

MBV looks forward to continuing to work with the Victorian Government to support the building and construction industry, especially as it remains the cornerstone of our state's economic recovery. 

The details of the new Victorian Government ministry can be found here. 

Please be assured that the MBV team is here to support you.  
  
If you have any questions, please call us on (03) 9411 4555 for assistance.