Dow steps up to key health role

DEPUTY Opposition leader Anita Dow, pictured, will become Labor’s health, mental health and wellbeing spokeswoman after the resignation of Bastian Seidel, Labor leader Rebecca White says.

The announcement was part of a minor reshuffle of portfolios after Mr Seidel last week revealed he would leave the Legislative Council in December.

Ella Haddad will take responsibility for housing, Jen Butler building and Sarah Lovell is the new parks and environment spokeswoman.

It is the first Labor reshuffle since David O’Byrne left the party caucus last week.

At that time, Ms White took on health, parks and environment; Shane Broad was appointed shadow treasurer; Jen Butler took on ICT and science, building and consumer affairs and veterans’ affairs; Janie Finlay, primary industries and water, small business and start-ups; and Dean Winter economic development.

Ms Dow is also the opposition spokeswoman on local government and planning; advanced manufacturing and defence industries.