Reshuffle puts trio in economic hot seat

JACKIE Trad, Cameron Dick and Kate Jones will spearhead Labor’s economic agenda in its second term as part of a ministerial reshuffle that adds an extra chair to the Cabinet.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk — who will take the trade portfolio — unveiled her new economic team yesterday after Curtis Pitt was moved from Treasury to Speaker.

Ms Trad said managing debt “responsibly” would be her focus after she is sworn in as Treasurer tomorrow.

Mr Dick will take on state development, infrastructure and planning, and manufacturing, overseeing Economic Development Queensland and the Reconstruction Authority.

Ms Jones will retain Commonwealth Games and innovation. Her tourism portfolio will also expand to include industry development.

Ms Palaszczuk also confirmed at the weekend that Yvette D’Ath, Steven Miles and Grace Grace were all in line for promotion.

Ms D’Ath will take Leader of the House duties from Stirling Hinchliffe, as he returns to the ministry, and will likely remain the Attorney-General, while Dr Miles has been mooted for the health portfolio.

Ms Grace will take over education. Current Energy and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey is tipped to add transport and give up energy.

There is speculation Di Farmer could take on the communities and child safety.

Shannon Fentiman is tipped to move out of child safety. Leeanne Enoch’s portfolios will also change.

Mark Ryan is expected to retain his police portfolio.

Final decisions will be made by today, when the ALP caucus meets to sign off on the new ministry ahead of a swearingin ceremony tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s LNP leadership ballot has expanded to three contenders after Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson joined Deb Frecklington and John-Paul Langbroek.

Tim Mander and Jason Costigan will run for deputy.