Tasmania's government has promised to maintain the state's momentum after reshuffling cabinet following the departure of two ministers in the space of a week.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the return of former minister Jacquie Petrusma and the addition of former Sorell mayor Kerry Vincent in changes forced by the resignations of his deputy and then finance minister.
"As the government approaches the 200-day mark since being elected ... I am confident that the refreshed cabinet will keep Tasmania moving forward," the Liberal premier said on Sunday.
Jacquie Petrusma returns to Tasmania's ministry in a cabinet reshuffle sparked by two resignations. (Chris Kidd/AAP PHOTOS)
Asked during the announcement whether a reshuffle so early in a parliamentary term would mean certainty, Mr Rockliff said "it's an indication that we're getting on with the job".
Ms Petrusma will be given the health, veterans' affairs and Aboriginal affairs portfolios, the latter of which she has previously held, while Mr Vincent will become minister for infrastructure and local government.
Michael Ferguson resigned as deputy premier and treasurer on Monday amid mounting pressure over his oversight of delays and cost blowouts in the delivery of new $900 million Spirit of Tasmania ferries.
The already unsteady minority government was rocked again on Friday when Nic Street said he would be leaving his ministerial position after facing mental health struggles.Â
He was the minister for finance, local government, and sport and events.Â
The premier's portfolio has been halved in the reshuffle, with the infrastructure portfolio given to Mr Vincent and the small business and consumer affairs portfolio handed to Felix Ellis.
Today, I am proud to unveil a renewed, refreshed Cabinet that will continue to deliver on our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future � — Jeremy Rockliff (@jeremyrockliff) pic.twitter.com/ZdaOQZT2aAOctober 20, 2024
Guy Barnett, who took up the role of deputy premier the day after Mr Ferguson resigned, adds treasurer to his job description while retaining the roles of attorney-general and justice minister.
The new fiscal portfolio could offer a significant challenge to the treasurer after the state budget forecast net debt more than doubling to $8.6 billion in 2027-28.
Asked about balancing the roles, Mr Barnett told journalists he was "very confident" and does not "mind hard work".
Tasmanian Labor lashed out at the premier's new cabinet, with shadow treasurer Josh Willie accusing the Liberal government of having "completely run out of new ideas".
"The premier clearly isn't interested in taking charge of Tasmania's biggest issues and has effectively given up on his own government," he said.
Mr Willie said Mr Rockliff had "handballed" the infrastructure portfolio to Mr Vincent after "saying he was going to take over".