Anna Bligh’s cabinet re-shuffle sends outgoing Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan to Finance as a Labor stalwart picks up the rail and bus reins
By David Goeldner | February 21, 2011
Queensland gets a new transport minister at today’s swearing-in of Anna Bligh’s reshuffled cabinet.
Annastacia Palaszczuk replaces Rachel Nolan as Transport Minister, while Nolan is moved to Finance and the Arts.
Palaszczuk’s lower socio-economic south-western Brisbane electorate of Inala is noted for its isolation to public transport corridors.
The electorate is serviced with Brisbane City Council buses, and earlier this year the area’s first rail service opened with a new station at Richlands.
Palaszczuk’s parliamentary interests have centred on multicultural affairs, reflective of the demographic mix of her electorate and her personal background as the daughter of German-Polish immigrant Henry Palaszczuk, the former member for Inala.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says Palaszczuk will retain her multicultural portfolio combined with new transport duties.
“Annastacia understands the importance of transport – both in terms of its critical role in the economic infrastructure of our state and its increasing significance for commuters in cities and towns,” Bligh says.
“She grew up in, and now represents, an area that relies on good public transport.”
Bligh adds Palaszczuk is an advocate of multiculturalism and supports embracing the benefits of diversity.
Former Transport Minister Nolan has essentially been promoted to a new Ministry of Finance, taking responsibility for government owned corporations – Queensland Investment Corporation and the Queensland Competition Authority – as well as regulatory reform and insurance.
“The creation of the Finance portfolio means the Treasurer (Andrew Fraser) will be able to focus on consolidating the State’s budget, and it’s economic and trade relations to drive Queensland’s economy as we rebuild,” Bligh says.
“Rachel is a good fit for the portfolio given her previous experience working for a former Queensland Treasurer.”
Craig Wallace’s performance during the recent flood and cyclone disasters has been rewarded with retention of Main Roads and the addition of fisheries and marine infrastructure to his ministry.
Bligh says these changes were in addition to new roles for Deputy Premier Paul Lucas, Treasurer Andrew Fraser and Ministers Geoff Wilson and Cameron Dick.
Lucas becomes Queensland’s Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State, while Treasurer Andrew Fraser will also take on the role of Minister for State Development and Trade.
Wilson will take on the health portfolio and Dick will take on the role of Education Minister, as well as retaining his industrial relations portfolio.