Aidan KNIGHT
PREMIER Ben Carroll has unveiled a streamlined Victorian Cabinet, prompting the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) to issue a blunt challenge to the new frontbench to “regain the trust of the bush” ahead of the state election.
The reshuffle, announced on Tuesday, August 4, saw the Ministry reduced in size as a measure to save taxpayer money, with the Premier stating his team is focused on a “new direction” and “getting things done”.
However, the VFF has warned that with the election only four months away, the government cannot afford to miss this opportunity to repair its relationship with regional producers.
Key Appointments for Gippsland’s farming community are aplenty, but the most significant change is the consolidation of portfolios under Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle, who will now serve as the Minister for Water, Agriculture, and Rural and Regional Development, taking over from the outgoing Member for Morwell, Harriert Shing. Ms Shing announced her retirement alongside her peer in Energy Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, on Thursday, July 30.
Other appointments critical to the farming sector include:
- Paul Hamer as the new Minister for Roads and Road Safety;
- Former Allan-government Treasurer Jaclyn Symes taking on Energy and Resources, Climate Action, and Environment, while remaining Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, and;
- Colin Brooks, now incoming Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations.
“Our roads are a Disgrace,” VFF President Ryan Milgate said, wasting no time in setting the agenda for the new ministers, highlighting failing infrastructure and tax burdens as primary concerns.
“The flawed fire services tax must be axed forever and generational farming families still feel like collateral damage in the fierce competition for farmland,” Mr Milgate continued.
The VFF is calling on the “fresh faces” in Cabinet to fix these long-standing issues to prove they are serious about regional Victoria. Mr Milgate specifically noted the need to work with the new Treasurer on fixing the Emergency Services Property Levy (ESVF) and with Minister Hamer to address the state” crumbling road network. In addition to traditional portfolios, the Premier introduced a new role for Anthony Carbines, who becomes the Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy.
This role will focus on driving innovation and economic growth while ensuring AI Despite these modernizations, the VFF remains focused on the fundamentals of regional survival.
New Victorian Cabinet revealed
“I LOOK forward to meeting with this new lineup of decision makers to share our members’ priorities,” Mr Milgate said.
Premier Carroll maintained that his Cabinet would stay focused on the cost of living and delivering essential services.
“Together, we will ensure our Cabinet earns the trust Victorians place in it,” he said.
In addition to traditional portfolios, the Premier introduced a new role for outgoing Police Minister Anthony Carbines, who becomes the Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy. This role will focus on driving innovation and economic growth.
As the government settles into its new structure, regional Victorians and industry groups alike will be looking for tangible progress on issues ranging from infrastructure and taxation to economic development. With the state election on the horizon, the performance of the new Cabinet is expected to remain under close scrutiny.
