MAWSON MP Leon Bignell has taken up the ag portfolio while Frome Independent and Minister for Regional Development Geoff Brock has secured $39 million for regional SA in the first 24 hours of the new state cabinet.
As well as agriculture, food and fisheries, Mr Bignell will also oversee the forests and racing portfolios and continues in his capacity as minister for tourism, recreation and sport.
Independent Mr Brock will manage a $39m package to improve infrastructure and drive growth in regional SA, announced after the new cabinet met for the first time today.
Premier Jay Weatherill said the meeting of the new-look cabinet included gaining an endorsement for all the election commitments detailed in Labor’s Plan for SA 2014-2018.
He said the regional development package consisted of new and existing funding including a one-off $10m jobs accelerator fund, quarantined to regional development, and a $13.4m boost to regional development funds.
Mr Weatherill released two charters, one aimed at building a stronger regional SA and the other at growing and supporting small business.
He said it was clear the Labor Party had work to do to re-establish confidence in the small business and regional communities.
“I have committed to a range of regional community Cabinet meetings so we can hear first-hand the concerns of regional South Australia.
“Mr Brock has been an excellent advocate for the areas he represents and the broader South Australian community. I look forward to working closely with him as we undertake these commitments.”
A Regional Development Agency will administer the $25m Regional Development Fund associated with the River Murray package.
Mr Weatherill's major cabinet reshuffle sees former ag minister Gail Gago - who has also lost the regional development and local government portfolio to Mr Brock - retain her position as Minister for the Status of Women, while picking up employment, higher education and skills, science and information economy and business service and consumers.
Tom Koutsantonis has taken on the treasurer's role along with the ministries of finance, state development, mineral resources and energy, automotive transformation and small business.
Other members of cabinet include:
- John Rau: Deputy Permier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Planning, Housing and Urban Development and Industrial Relations
- Jack Snelling: Minister for Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, the Arts, Defence Industries and Health Industries.
- Jennifer Rankine: Minister for Education and Child Development.
- Ian Hunter: Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Water and the River Murray, and Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation.
- Tony Piccolo: Minister for Disabilities, Police, Correctional Services, Emergency Services and Road Safety.
- Zoe Bettison (new): Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Social Housing, Multicultural Affairs, Ageing, Youth, Volunteers and Veterans' Affairs.
- Susan Close (new): Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade and the Public Sector.
- Stephen Mulligan (new): Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and Minister Assisting for Planning and Housing and Urban Development.
