Gavin Pearce takes on agricultural minister role

Former federal MP Gavin Pearce is Tasmania’s new Primary Industries and Water Minister.

He was one of several new appointments in Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s new-look cabinet following the recent state election.

Mr Pearce takes over the portfolio from Jane Howlett, who has been given the ministries of Tourism, Hospitality and Events; Racing; and Women and the Prevention of Family Violence.

Ms Howlett had been the Primary Industries and Water Minister since the previous state election last year.

Mr Pearce was the Federal Member for Braddon for two terms after having defeated Labor incumbent Justine Keay in 2019.

He announced his retirement from the House of Representatives ahead of the Federal Election earlier this year.

Mr Rockliff’s new ministry is expected to be sworn in early next week by Governor Barbara Baker.

However, it might be short-lived as Labor or a member of the crossbench is expected to move a no-confidence motion when parliament resumes on August 19.

New Liberal government ministry:

Jeremy Rockliff:

• Premier

Guy Barnett:

• Deputy Premier
• Attorney-General
• Minister for Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation
• Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs

Eric Abetz:

• Treasurer
• Leader of Government Business
• Minister for Macquarie Point Urban Renewal

Bridget Archer:

• Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Minister for Ageing
• Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Nick Duigan:

• Minister for Energy and Renewables
• Minister for Parks
• Minister for Sport

Felix Ellis:

• Minister for Business, Industry and Resources
• Minister for Skills and Jobs
• Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

Jane Howlett:

• Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
• Minister for Racing
• Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence

Madeleine Ogilvie:

• Minister for Environment
• Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy
• Minister for Community and Multicultural Affairs
• Minister for Arts and Heritage

Jo Palmer:

• Minister for Education
• Minister for Children and Youth
• Minister for Disability Services

Gavin Pearce:

• Minister for Primary Industries and Water
• Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Kerry Vincent:

• Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
• Minister for Local Government
• Minister for Housing and Planning

Rob Fairs:

• Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Engagement and Sport

Marcus Vermey:

• Government Whip