Tasmania’s reshuffled cabinet has been sworn in at Government House, with Governor Barbara Baker hosting a celebratory tea party for four ministers taking on new roles.
The ceremony took place on Tuesday morning, with ministers making their oaths and affirmations of office before the gathering.
Guy Barnett took on the environment and climate change portfolio, adding to his responsibilities as deputy premier and attorney-general.
Nick Duigan added heritage to his parks portfolio, Felix Ellis became minister for innovation, science and the digital economy and Jane Howlett took on arts and community and multicultural affairs.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff did not speak to reporters, breaking with the tradition of holding a doorstop interview after such events.
He has not fronted the media since former minister Madeleine Ogilvie resigned more than a week ago.
The reshuffle followed Ogilvie’s resignation on May 30, after allegations she misled parliament over her involvement in a Supreme Court matter.
Rather than replace her, Rockliff redistributed her portfolios, cutting the cabinet from 11 ministers to 10 in a move the government says will save more than $1 million a year.
Four Greens MPs and three independents have given the premier until Friday to say when he first learnt Ogilvie had allegedly misled parliament or face parliamentary action.
Labor wants the scrutiny widened to include Howlett, who has incurred $300,000 in taxpayer-funded legal fees since 2023.
The government says the fees were paid in line with indemnity protocols, while Deputy Premier Guy Barnett has dismissed the pursuit as “political muckraking”.
