I am pleased to confirm that today, Anthony Carbines has been sworn in as a member of our Cabinet.

Since being elected in 2010, Anthony has been a staunch advocate for the people of Ivanhoe – delivering record investment in schools, the completion of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, removing the Lower Plenty Road level crossing in Rosanna, and securing public housing renewal in Heidelberg West.

In addition to being a great local member, Anthony has held a number of Parliamentary Secretary positions throughout his time in office, most recently as Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers.

He’ll bring this passion for helping people to his portfolios of Disability, Ageing and Carers, and Child Protection and Family Services.

In his inaugural speech to Parliament, Anthony quoted former NSW Premier Jack Lang about the importance of the Labor Party in making social gains for Australians – and I have no doubt he’ll keep those words from the ‘Big Fella’ in the front of his mind as he tackles the work of these incredibly important portfolios.

I’d also like to thank James Merlino and Richard Wynne for their work in these portfolios over recent months. The Deputy Premier will remain the Minister for Education and Minister for Mental Health, and Minister Wynne will remain the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing.

Josh Bull will take on the roles of Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers, and Katie Hall will become Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Parliamentary Secretary for Youth.

Harriet Shing will add Parliamentary Secretary for Digital Government to her responsibilities.