By Corey Everitt
Local MP Harriet Shing is set to oversee the State Government’s massive social housing expansion, as cabinet is reshuffled with Jacinta Allan’s ascension to the Premier position.
An Eastern Victoria MP, Ms Shing was Minister for Water and Equality prior to Daniel Andrews’ abrupt resignation last week.
In Premier Allan’s cabinet, Ms Shing will retain these portfolios, while being promoted with the important role as Minister for Housing.
Ms Shing takes a large responsibility as the face of the Big Housing Build and the Urban Renewal Project which aims to redevelop sites across the state, including all public housing towers, to expand social housing by 10 per cent.
A government press release said Colin Brooks, the former Minister for Housing, would play a “significant role” in the Housing Statement as the now Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams has been tasked with the Government’s rental reforms in the reshuffle.
Williams will be appointed as Minister for Government Services, Consumer Affairs and Public and Active Transport – and lead the Department of Government Services.
She has been reassigned from the First Peoples and Treaty, Mental Health and Ambulance Services portfolios.
On the other side of the floor, the Coalition used the opportunity to reshuffle the Shadow Cabinet as they position themselves against a State Government without Andrews.
South Eastern Metro MP Ann-Marie Hermans retained her position as Shadow Cabinet Secretary.
While local Narracan MP Wayne Farnham stays as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition.
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath will retain her role as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Volunteers.
