A few interesting developments in the Cabinet reshuffle from a transport perspective.
Ms Allan is now the Minister for Transport Infrastructure.
Melissa Horne is the new Minister for Public Transport and the Minster for Ports and Freight.
Jaala Pulford is the new Minister for Roads.
I really like this portfolio structure, for a number of reasons.
All rail operations are now under one minister, for the first time in a while. Freight has been specifically recognised in a portfolio name. Ms Allan has been allowed to focus on what she is clearly good at (remember she is also Leader of the House) and will have solid authority to keep the infrastructure program on track. This also does a better job of aligning with the internal structure of the Department (infrastructure program under the Coordinator General, operations under TFV).
Look, we all acknowledge there is an element of deckchair shuffling, but a competent group of Ministers can make a big difference to any area of government activity. Let's hope it will be the case here.
(quick edit: Melissa Horne is a first-time MP. Let's also hope she is up to the task.)
(double edit: Ms Horne actually comes to Parliament from the LXRA and formerly the Department of Infrastructure. She is certainly going to be across the portfolio.)
(triple edit: The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources is being abolished and restructured into the Department of Transport and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. This is absolutely fantastic news for the Transport portfolio - as we have seen with the infrastructure program, dedicated bureaucrats are a great way of getting things done effectively. DEDJTR was just too big to do its job at maximum efficiency. Apologies to @YM-Mundrabilla who will have to drink some more acronym soup.)