The Kennett government was re-elected to a second term at elections on March 30, 1996.

The formation of the Liberal-Nationals coalition government was announced on April 2.

NEWS RELEASE

From the Office of the Premier of Victoria

Tuesday April 2, 1996

PREMIER ANNOUNCES STREAMLINED CABINET AND DEPARTMENTS

The Premier, Mr. Kennett, today announced a streamlined 18 member Cabinet and a restructuring of Departments to prepare Government for the challenges of the 21st century.

The changes announced today will ensure the efficient delivery of high quality services that are not only readily accessible but meet community expectations and take advantage of technological advancement, the Premier said.

The existing number of Departments will be reduced from 11 to 8 and the size of the Ministry will be reduced from 21 to 18.

The new Ministerial and Departmental structure will deliver to the people of Victoria continued good, responsive government and will further position Victoria as a major player in the delivery of quality government services into the next century.

In selecting a Ministry to take Victoria towards the beginning of the next century I have been conscious of the need to ensure a continuity of experience while at the same time providing a blend of new talent.

The new 18 strong Ministry achieves this objective.

I take this opportunity of thanking those outgoing Ministers who have served the Government and the people of Victoria with great distinction. Bill Baxter, Michael John, Jim Plowman, Geoff Coleman and Roger Pescott have each made significant contributions to what was undoubtedly an outstanding first term Ministerial team. I look forward to their continued contribution as members of Parliament.

I have asked Bill Baxter to undertake responsibility for the proposed renovation and completion of Parliament House. This work will be undertaken by the Parliament House Construction Authority which Mr. Baxter will chair.

It is expected that this work will be completed by 2001. Mr. Baxter will be accorded Ministerial status in undertaking this task.

In addition to the selection of a new 18 person Ministry, Parliamentary Secretaries associated with each of the eight Departments and/or portfolios have also been appointed.

The appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries provide not only Ministers with invaluable assistance in carrying out their portfolio duties, but also enables the provision of an identifiable career structure for Coalition MPs.

The list of appointments to Parliamentary Secretary positions is included in the attached Ministerial listings.

* * *

Attachment A

SECOND KENNETT MINISTRY

Portfolio	Minister	Department
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs Minister for the Arts	The Hon Jeff Kennett MLA	Premier and Cabinet
Deputy Premier Minister for Agriculture and Resources	The Hon Pat McNamara MLA	Natural Resources and the Environment
Minister for Education	The Hon Phil Gude MLA	Education
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology	The Hon Mark Birrell MLC	State Development
Minister for Health and the Aged	The Hon Rob Knowles MLC	Human Services
Treasurer Minister for Multi-media	The Hon Alan Stockdale MLA	Treasury and Finance State Development
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Minister for Corrections	The Hon Bill McGrath MLA	Justice
Minister for Finance Minister for Gaming	The Hon Roger Hallam MLC	Treasury and Finance
Minister for Small Business Minister for Tourism	The Hon Louise Asher MLC	State Development
Minister for Transport	The Hon Alan Brown MLA	Infrastructure
Minister for Roads and Ports	The Hon Geoff Craige MLC	Infrastructure
Minister for Housing (Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs)	Mrs Ann Henderson MLA	Human Services
Minister for Tertiary Education Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs	Mr Phil Honeywood MLA	Education
Minister for Planning and for Local Government	The Hon Rob Maclellan MLA	Infrastructure
Minister for Youth and for Community Services	Dr Denis Napthine MLA	Human Services
Minister for Sport Minister for Rural Development	The Hon Tom Reynolds MLA	State Development
Minister for Conservation and Land Management	The Hon Marie Tehan MLA	Natural Resources and the Environment
Attorney-General Minister for Womens Affairs Minister for Fair Trading	The Hon Jan Wade MLA	Justice
Parliamentary Secretary to Cabinet	The Hon Rosemary Varty MLC	Premier and Cabinet
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier for the Arts	Mrs Lorraine Elliott MLA	Premier and Cabinet
Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury and Finance	Mr Robert Clark MLA	Treasury and Finance
Parliamentary Secretary, State Development	Mr Barry Steggall MLA	State Development
Parliamentary Secretary, Education	Mr Stephen Elder MLA	Education
Parliamentary Secretary, Human Services	Mr Robert Doyle MLA	Human Services
Parliamentary Secretary, Natural Resources	The Hon Phil Davis MLC	Natural Resources and the Environment
Parlimentary Secretary, Justice	Dr Robert Dean MLA	Justice
Parliamentary Secretary, Planning	The Hon Bruce Atkinson MLC	Infrastructure
Parliamentary Secretary, Transport, Roads and Ports	Mr Robin Cooper MLA	Infrastructure

Attachment B

DEPARTMENTAL STRUCTURES

Premier and Cabinet
Multicultural Affairs
Arts

Treasury and Finance
State Owned Enterprises
WorkCover
Gaming
Public Sector Industrial Relations

State Development
Industry and Employment
Science and Technology
Small Business
Tourism
Sport
Rural Development
Multi-media

Education
School Education
Tertiary Education

Human Services
Health
The Aged
Youth
Community Services
Housing
Aboriginal Affairs

Justice
Attorney-General
Womens Affairs
Fair Trading
Police
Emergency Services
Corrections

Infrastructure
Planning
Local Government
Transport
Roads and Ports

Natural Resources and the Environment
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Conservation and Land Management