Qld: Newlook Qld cabinet has wines minister

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2004
Qld: Newlook Qld cabinet has wines minister

By Nikki Todd

BRISBANE, Feb 11 AAP - Queensland will have its first female police minister and a
minister for wines in the new state cabinet announced today by Premier Peter Beattie.

Townsville MP Mike Reynolds will head the state's new child safety department, while
Judy Spence will become police minister.

Describing his new cabinet as the "biggest reshuffle" he had presided over with six
new members, Mr Beattie revealed who would head 12 of the 19 ministries up for grabs.

Former Play School presenter Liddy Clark - who is yet to claim victory in her seat
of Clayfield - will head the indigenous portfolio, while tourism and fair trading remains
with a Gold Coast MP, with Margaret Keech to take over the reins with the added responsibility
of wine industry development.

As expected, the experienced heads will remain in their positions, with Mr Beattie
retaining responsibility for trade and women, Terry Mackenroth remaining deputy premier,
treasurer and minister for sport, while given the new urban planning department.

Anna Bligh will continue as education minister, but will also inherit the arts portfolio,
while Rod Welford will continue as attorney-general and justice minister.

Tony McGrady has moved from police to head the state development and innovation portfolios,
while Tom Barton moves to employment, youth, training and industrial relations.

As announced yesterday, Gordon Nuttall becomes health minister, while Henry Palaszczuk
will continue as minister for primary industries and fisheries.

As part of his commitment to the regions, Mr Beattie will establish a new community
services department, to be headed by north Queensland's Warren Pitt, who will also take
on the role of disabilities minister.

High-profile MPs whose roles have not yet been finalised include Paul Lucas, Robert
Schwarten and Stephen Robertson.

Other new faces in the cabinet include Desley Boyle, Chris Cummins and John Mickel.

Their portfolios will be declared tomorrow before cabinet is sworn in by the Governor
Quentin Bryce.

AAP nt/sc/cjh/br l

KEYWORD: MINISTRY QLD (PIX AVAILABLE)

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