The Andrews ministry’s cabinet for Victoria was announced on 5 December, with a focus placed on developing public infrastructure and road projects.
As part of the announced ministers, leading the Department of Transport and Planning, Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan will remain Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop and Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery.
Leading the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, Ben Carroll will continue to serve as Minister for Industry and Innovation and add the portfolios of Manufacturing Sovereignty and Employment, as well as retaining the Public Transport portfolio.
Melissa Horne will become Minister for Roads and Road Safety, as well as keeping the portfolios of Ports and Freight, Local Government and Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation.
The appointment allows for the continued delivery of signature state-shaping projects, including the Suburban Rail Loop, which the Coalition government led by Matthew Guy had said it would shelve.
Roads Australia welcomed the appointment of the new cabinet, with RA chief executive officer Michael Kilgariff noting that the integration of the transport and planning portfolios into a single department will be especially advantageous in creating more liveable communities.
“RA is delighted that we will continue to have the opportunity of working with the Deputy Premier as the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop,” Kilgariff said.
“The Deputy Premier has always been willing to engage positively with RA, and her deep understanding of the portfolio is incredibly valuable to industry participants. We look forward to continuing to work closely with her as the Victorian Government’s significant project pipeline of transport projects is delivered.”
Kilgariff welcomed the re-elected Victorian government’s decision to create a single Department of Transport and Planning.
“Roads Australia is behind the Victorian government when it comes to the plans to drive efficiency and consolidate planning and transport as a singluar department.
“This decision will engender a more integrated approach to transport and land use planning which will be crucial in enabling more efficient transport services and more liveable communities as Victoria’s population continues to grow.”
Kilgariff also emphasised the core priorities of the RA, with “safety being the RA’s number one policy priority” and announced future focused planes to connect with the ministers to deliver on those priorities
“RA looks forward to working with Melissa Horne as the incoming Minister for Roads and Road Safety, as well as Josh Bull as the new Parliamentary Secretary for Level Crossing Removals and Transport,” Kilgariff said.
“We look forward to connecting our members with these new Ministers as our industry continues working to create safer transport networks for the community.”