Chief Minister Andrew Barr has unveiled a reshuffled ACT Cabinet following Yvette Berry’s resignation, appointing Rachel Stephen-Smith as Deputy Chief Minister and promoting Brindabella MLA Caitlin Tough to the ministry.

Ms Tough enters Cabinet for the first time, taking on human rights, community services, corrections, women, seniors and veterans, and the prevention of family and domestic violence. Her promotion also restores Brindabella representation at the Cabinet table.

Ms Berry resigned last week after an Integrity Commission report found “serious corrupt conduct” by her former chief of staff and the former head of the ACT Education Directorate during the Campbell Primary School redevelopment procurement process. While the commission made no findings against Ms Berry, she said she accepted responsibility for the actions of her staff and stepped down from Cabinet.

Ms Stephen-Smith takes over the education portfolio from Ms Berry while adding child development and wellbeing, finance, the ACT Public Service and health infrastructure to her responsibilities as Deputy Chief Minister.

Dr Marisa Paterson becomes Health Minister, adding police, fire and emergency services and gaming reform to her existing mental health responsibilities.

Suzanne Orr’s portfolio expands to include housing and homelessness alongside climate change, environment, energy and water, disability, autism and neurodiversity, equality, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.

Mr Barr retains responsibility for trade, investment and the knowledge economy, tourism and events, and major projects, while Chris Steel remains Treasurer and takes on planning and sustainable development, sport and recreation, and heritage.

Tara Cheyne continues as Attorney-General and Manager of Government Business, adding transport to her city and government services portfolio, while Michael Pettersson’s responsibilities include business and industry, skills and training, arts, children, youth and families, and multicultural affairs.

The new ministerial arrangements take effect on Thursday, July 30, with the first meeting of the new Cabinet scheduled for August 5.

Berry quits cabinet: ‘I’ve never backed down from responsibility’

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