Overview
- Premier Roger Cook announced the reshuffle on Sunday, taking on the defence industries brief and a new tourism, trade and investment portfolio to lead the state’s industrial push.
- The change followed the sudden retirement of senior minister Paul Papalia earlier this week, which left Emergency Services, Veterans, Racing and Gaming, and Corrective Services vacant.
- First‑term MP Daniel Pastorelli was promoted to cabinet and given mines, petroleum and exploration plus water, while Reece Whitby, Hannah Beazley, Don Punch and Tony Buti received key portfolio reallocations.
- Amber‑Jade Sanderson was named assistant minister for defence industries and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti’s transport role was expanded to include major common‑user defence infrastructure for Henderson and Garden Island projects.
- Labor has endorsed Georgia Tree for the Secret Harbour by‑election on August 29, creating an immediate political test that could affect the government’s mandate for its defence and economic plans.