Ellis to draw on ‘real life’

BRADDON MP Felix Ellis has been sworn in as the newest member of the state cabinet after the fourth reshuffle in six months.

Mr Ellis took the oath of office on a family Bible at a ceremony at Government House in Hobart in front of witnesses including his wife, Margot, and their sleeping infant son.

“Your kids are always going to think that you’re boring,” he said later. “I think young William slept through the whole thing.”

The 32-year-old was nominated as Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Minister for Resources and Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth following the resignation of Jacquie Petrusma on Monday.

Governor Barbara Baker also swore in Rosevears MLC Jo Palmer as Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Braddon MP Roger Jaensch as Minister for Parks.

Mr Ellis said he was undaunted by the challenge which has taken its toll on the Liberal ministry over recent months, with multiple departures over work-life balance.

“I know that as a family, there are going to be tough times. But when you give your life to doing something good for other people, those are some of the sacrifices you need to make, and service and sacrifice go hand-in-hand,” he said.

Mr Ellis, who entered parliament after a career as a plumber and a political adviser to Senator Richard Colbeck, said he would draw on that experience.

“A lot of people tell me that they don’t just want professional politicians, they want people with real life experience,” he said.

“And in my case, you know, I’ve been a volunteer firefighter and a surf lifesaver, I’m now the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management.

“I’ve been a tradie and I’m now the Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce development. And I’ve worked on mine sites and in mining communities on the West Coast, I understand what’s happening in these people’s lives, right from the ground up, because I’ve lived it.”