Thursday, 4 December, 2014

STATEMENT FROM THE PREMIER

Following the swearing-in today, I am announcing the steps I am taking to revitalise Victorias public
services as the first step to getting Victoria back to work.
A number of community portfolios will be elevated to the Department of Premier and Cabinet
including the new portfolios of Equality and the Prevention of Family Violence. A key priority is to
establish a Royal Commission into Family Violence in early 2015.
A new Special Minister of State will oversee government transparency, integrity, accountability and
public sector administration and reform. This role will be supported by the Department of Premier
and Cabinet.
I will be taking responsibility for overseeing the establishment and direction of our two key new
bodies Infrastructure Victoria and Projects Victoria that will kick-start major projects in Victoria.
Infrastructure Victoria will develop a long-term infrastructure pipeline that will plan capital projects
beyond election cycles, and Projects Victoria will ensure that the delivery of major projects stays on
track.
I will also be overseeing the Port of Melbourne transaction to ensure that Victorians get the best
deal.
The new Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources will refocus efforts to
reboot the States stalled economy, creating jobs and opportunities.
As a result of these changes, I am making new appointments that recognise the service of two of
Victorias most senior public servants.
My Government will recommend to the Governor-in-Council that Mr Howard Ronaldson be
appointed to the role of Administrator of Ambulance Victoria. Mr Ronaldson will be tasked with
restoring public confidence in the Victorian ambulance system.
Mr Dean Yates will oversee the creation of Infrastructure Victoria and Projects Victoria from DPC.

Details of new arrangements

The government is becoming more streamlined through a reduction in the number of government
departments from nine to seven, effective 1 January 2015.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet will be led by Mr Chris Eccles and support the following
portfolios:

Premier
Deputy Premier
Special Minister of State
Aboriginal Affairs
Equality
Multicultural Affairs
The Prevention of Family Violence Veterans
Women

In addition, the Department of Premier and Cabinet portfolio now includes providing support in
relation to the Auditor-General, the Commissioner for Privacy and Data Protection, the Freedom of
Information Commissioner, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, the Local
Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate, the Public Interest Monitor, the Victorian
Electoral Commission, the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission, and the Victorian
Inspectorate.
DPC is also assuming responsibility for Major Projects Victoria and the Port Transaction Unit.
The new Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources will be led by Mr
Richard Bolt and support the following portfolios:

Public Transport
Agriculture
Creative Industries
Employment
Energy and Resources
Industry
Ports
Regional Development
Roads and Road Safety
Small Business, Innovation and Trade
Tourism and Major Events (including major sporting events)

The new Department of Education and Training will be led by Ms Gill Callister and support the
following portfolios:

Education
Training and Skills
Families and Children (in respect of children and early years responsibilities)

The new Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will be led by Mr Adam Fennessy
and support the following portfolios:

Environment, Climate Change and Water

Local Government
Planning

The new Department of Health and Human Services will be led by Dr Pradeep Philip and support the
following portfolios:

Health
Ambulance Services
Families and Children
Housing, Disability and Ageing
Mental Health
Sport (except for major sporting events)
Youth Affairs

The new Department of Justice and Regulation will be led by Mr Greg Wilson and support the
following portfolios:

Attorney-General
Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation
Corrections
Emergency Services
Police
Racing

The Department of Treasury and Finance will be led by Mr David Martine and support the following
portfolios:

Treasurer
Finance
Roads and Road Safety (in respect of the Transport Accident Commission)

DTF is also assuming responsibility for CenITex.