Premier Allan to unveil new cabinet after Andrews’ exit

Callum Godde | October 2, 2023

Victoria’s new premier is poised to unveil a cabinet reshuffle after taking the reins following the departure of Daniel Andrews.

Jacinta Allan spent the AFL grand final long weekend finalising her cabinet and is expected to announce changes before state parliament returns on Tuesday.

Treasurer Tim Pallas will stay on in the role he has held for almost nine years after his failed tilt to become deputy premier.

Eltham MP Vicki Ward will be elevated into cabinet, filling Mr Andrews’ vacant spot.

Ms Allan will no longer serve as minister for transport and infrastructure and the Suburban Rail Loop, paving the way for someone else to take on those key portfolios.

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos wasn’t sure whether he would retain the same role but was expecting a phone call on Sunday.

“I will do any job that she asks me to do because I have profound respect for her and the government’s agenda,” he told reporters.

The Bendigo East MP was sworn in as the state’s 49th premier last week following the abrupt retirement of Mr Andrews.

Ms Allan, who like Mr Andrews is from the party’s left faction, was officially elected to the position unopposed less than 24 hours after his shock resignation.

The leadership selection could have dragged on for weeks after Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll, who is from the right, threw his hat in the ring for the top job.

It would have forced a vote of rank-and-file members under party rules introduced in response to tensions between former prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.

Ultimately, Mr Carroll withdrew his nomination and emerged unopposed as deputy premier.

Ms Allan is Victoria’s second female leader and the first Labor premier from regional Victoria in almost 100 years.