Tasmanian Liberal Ministry Revamped for 2025

Download IPFS

On 7 August 2025, Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced a refreshed Tasmanian Liberal Government ministry following the July 19 election which resulted in a hung parliament. The new “Third Rockliff Ministry” includes appointments aimed at reinforcing key state portfolios and managing the dynamics of a minority government.

Bridget Archer, MP for Bass, has been appointed Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Ageing. Archer’s elevation reflects her strong local support and comes after her transition from federal to state politics. Gavin Pearce, MP for Braddon, has been named Minister for Primary Industries and Water, and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

The reshuffle also includes significant changes in senior leadership. Eric Abetz has been elevated to Treasurer and Leader of the House, replacing Guy Barnett, who had faced backlash over fiscal projections tied to rising state debt. Abetz will also oversee Macquarie Point Urban Renewal. Guy Barnett remains Deputy Premier and retains his roles as Attorney‑General, Minister for Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation, as well as Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs.

Felix Ellis assumes the portfolios for Business, Industry and Resources; Skills and Jobs; and Police, Fire and Emergency Management. Jane Howlett will lead in Tourism, Hospitality and Events; Racing; and Women and the Prevention of Family Violence.

Madeleine Ogilvie has been appointed Minister for Environment; Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy; Community and Multicultural Affairs; and Arts and Heritage. Nick Duigan remains in Energy and Renewables, Parks, and Sport. Jo Palmer takes on Education; Children and Youth; and Disability Services. Kerry Vincent fills the roles of Infrastructure and Transport; Local Government; and Housing and Planning.

In addition, Marcus Vermey has been named Government Whip, and Rob Fairs becomes Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Engagement and Sport. A Crossbench Liaison Office will also be established to facilitate communication and cooperation between ministers, crossbenchers, and departmental bodies, aligning with Rockliff’s “Foundations of Stability” framework.

Premier Rockliff stated that this new arrangement allows him to focus on building broader parliamentary collaboration without holding specific portfolios. He emphasized his government’s commitment to stability, service delivery, and dialogue, especially given the uncertainty ahead of the upcoming no‑confidence motions and minority governance.

The cabinet reshuffle replaces long-serving ministers such as Michael Ferguson and Jacquie Petrusma, who withdrew from consideration due to health reasons. Rockliff praised their service and signalled the need for fresh leadership to address Tasmania’s immediate policy challenges.