Once his party’s leader and a candidate to become Chief Minister in 2016, now seemingly on the political outer: Canberra Liberals MLA Jeremy Hanson has been moved to the backbench in a reshuffle of the Shadow Cabinet following his replacement as deputy opposition leader earlier this week by Leanne Castley.

Mr Hanson’s portfolios – and those of Elizabeth Kikkert, also sent to the backbench – have been divided among the other Canberra Liberals.

“Whilst Jeremy and Elizabeth will not serve in the Shadow Cabinet, they remain important members of the Canberra Liberals Party Room and will no doubt continue to be strong voices for their communities in their electorates,” party leader Elizabeth Lee said.

But Chief Minister Andrew Barr highlighted what he perceived as internal strife within the Canberra Liberals.

“This is an unprecedented move from the Opposition Leader,” Mr Barr said. “It seems that working with others is not a strong point.

“Banishing your former Deputy and his main supporter to the back bench is a very high-handed response to a policy disagreement.

“There is clearly deep division and distrust within the Canberra Liberals.”

Cabinet reshuffle

Mr Hanson had been shadow minister for education, calling for the government to address the teacher shortage, to hold an independent investigation into the ACT education system, and to review falling literacy standards; shadow minister for police, insisting that the government provide more funding for police and increase police numbers (the smallest in the country), and review bail and sentencing; and shadow minister for veterans’ affairs.

Education now passes to Ms Lee; police to James Milligan; and veterans’ affairs to Nicole Lawder.

There is speculation that Mr Hanson was ousted because he was seen as too conservative, the Canberra Liberals seeking to take a more moderate direction.

Elizabeth Kikkert had been shadow minister for families, youth and community services; for prevention of domestic and family violence; for corrections; and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.

Families, youth and community services and prevention of domestic and family violence go to Ms Castley; corrections to Mark Parton; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs to Mr Milligan.

As Ms Lawder intends to retire from politics next year, Assistant Shadow Ministers have been appointed to all her portfolios: seniors, women, arts, and environment, heritage and water.

The Shadow Cabinet now comprises:

• Elizabeth Lee: Leader of the Opposition; Shadow Treasurer; Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Emissions Reduction; for Economic Development, Tourism and Major Projects; and for Education
• Leanne Castley: Deputy Leader of the Opposition; Shadow Minister for Business; for Families, Youth and Community Services; for Health and Wellbeing; and for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
• Peter Cain: Assistant Shadow Attorney-General and Treasurer; Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs; and for Planning and Land Management
• Ed Cocks: Shadow Minister for Jobs and Workplace Affairs; for Mental Health; and for Regulatory Services
• Nicole Lawder: Shadow Minister for Arts; for City Services; for Environment, Heritage and Water; for Seniors; for Veterans’ Affairs; and for Women
• James Milligan: Shadow Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs; for Disability; for Emergency Services and Police; for Sport and Recreation; and for Vocational Training and Skills
• Mark Parton: Shadow Minister for Corrections; for Gaming and Community Clubs; for Housing and Homelessness; for Sustainable Building and Construction; and for Transport

Ms Lee said the Shadow Cabinet largely makes up the team that would serve in Cabinet should the Canberra Liberals win next year’s election.

“I know every member of this team is committed and determined to win government in October 2024,” Ms Lee said.

“All members of the Shadow Cabinet team are united and have demonstrated throughout this term that they will work tirelessly in the best interests of the community.

“I have assembled a team that I can trust to put forward a strong alternate vision for Canberra as we head towards the election next year…

“With less than a year until the election, my team and I look forward to continuing to have positive conversations with the community as we put forward our vision for a better Canberra.”