In a bravura display of carpentry, joining, and marquetry, the ACT Government has constructed a new cabinet following the resignation of Labor MLA Yvette Berry last week.

Rachel Stephen-Smith will become the ACT’s new deputy chief minister. The former health minister now takes responsibility for education, child development and wellbeing, finance, the ACT Public Service, and health infrastructure.

Dr Marisa Paterson will replace Ms Stephen-Smith as health minister.

Suzanne Orr takes housing and homelessness, formerly held by Ms Berry.

Chris Steel takes sport and recreation, another Berry portfolio.

Backbencher Caitlin Tough will enter cabinet, becoming minister for human rights, community services, corrections, women, seniors and veterans, and the prevention of family and domestic violence.

The new portfolios will come into effect this Thursday, and the cabinet will hold its first meeting on Wednesday 5 August.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the new cabinet would focus on housing, economic development, strengthening public services, and building Canberra’s future.  

“This Cabinet is focused on building the homes, infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities that a growing city needs,” Mr Barr said. 

“We are continuing to provide strong leadership across housing, economic development, major project delivery, public services, community wellbeing and inclusion. Together, we will continue building a city that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive, and remains one of the best places in the world to live.”

But opposition leader Mark Parton MLA (Canberra Liberals) criticised the cabinet reshuffle.

“This government is corrupt,” Mr Parton said. “It’s official… It’s no less corrupt today than it was last week. From the perspective of most Canberrans in the suburbs, to quote that iconic phrase, you can rearrange the deck chairs [on the Titanic] as much as you like’, but I’m not sure that it’s going to get better outcomes. … We are seeing a government in genuine crisis.”

Mr Barr said Ms Stephen-Smith’s new role reflected her “extensive experience across some of the Government’s most significant portfolios and her leadership of major reforms in health, disability, community services and finance over many years”.

“As a proud product of Canberra’s public education system, I’m looking forward to working with students, families, teachers and other key staff and stakeholders to deliver the structural reforms that will set our schools up for generations to come,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

Angela Burroughs, president of the Australian Education Union ACT branch, congratulated Ms Stephen-Smith, but said she inherited urgent challenges, including teacher shortages and unresolved enterprise bargaining.

“ACT educators have been clear about what they need: enough teachers so classes stop being split up or cancelled at short notice, and the resources so every student gets the support they need to succeed,” Ms Burroughs said.

She said there was “no time left to waste” in finalising an offer that addressed educators’ claims and delivered on the government’s commitments.

“The choices made in the coming months will determine whether the ACT continues to lead the nation or falls behind,” Ms Burroughs said.

Ms Tough’s elevation means that every ACT electorate is now represented in cabinet.

“Caitlin brings energy, policy capability and a strong connection to her local community,” Mr Barr said. “As a proud Tuggeranong resident, Caitlin will bring important perspectives to the Government’s decision-making and help ensure the interests of Canberra’s south continue to be strongly represented around the Cabinet table.”

Ms Tough said she was honoured and excited. “I look forward to serving the people of Canberra, no matter a person’s background… It is a privilege to represent Tuggeranong in the Cabinet and bring the voice of Brindabella back to the table.”

The Cabinet is as follows:

Andrew Barr

Chief Minister 
Minister for:

• Trade, Investment and the Knowledge Economy
• Tourism and Events
• Major Projects 

Rachel Stephen-Smith 

Deputy Chief Minister 
Minister for:

• Education  
• Child Development and Wellbeing
• Finance
• the Public Service
• Health Infrastructure  

Chris Steel 

Treasurer
Minister for:

• Planning and Sustainable Development
• Sport and Recreation
• Heritage 

Tara Cheyne 

Manager of Government Business 
Attorney-General
Minister for:

• City and Government Services 
• Transport 

Suzanne Orr

Minister for:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs 
• Housing and Homelessness 
• Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water 
• Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity 
• Equality 

Michael Pettersson

Minister for:

• Business and Industry 
• Skills, Training and Industrial Relations  
• Arts, Creative Industries and the Night-Time Economy  
• Children, Youth and Families  
• Multicultural Affairs 

Marisa Paterson

Minister for:

• Health 
• Mental Health
• Police, Fire and Emergency Services  
• Gaming Reform 

Caitlin Tough 

Minister for:

• Human Rights 
• Community Services 
• Corrections 
• Women, Seniors and Veterans 
• the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence