MP Promoted

Jane Emerick
New Premier John Brumby yesterday promoted Bellarine MP and minister Lisa Neville.
Ms Neville lost her children portfolio but took over as Community Services Minister.
She retained her roles as Minister for Mental Health and Senior Victorians.
Ms Neville said she was pleased she would work with Victoria’s most needy residents as Community Services Minister.
“My interest in social justice is really about giving our most vulnerable Victorians a lift up,” she said.
“I’m still working with children with the community services portfolio but they are the ones that need the most help.
“It’s a much bigger role with some of the moretougher social policy issues.
“I feel quite proud the new Premier has given me responsbility of a larger portfolio.”
Ms Neville is in her second term as an MP.
Mr Brumby also annouced two new “super departments to drive the Government’s priority areas”.
Mr Brumby said a new Department of Planning and Community Development would create “improvements in urban development, particularly in the outer suburbs and regions”.
Mr Brumby appointed former Planning Minister Justin Madden to the portfolio.
Mr Brumby also created a Department of Education and Early Childhood Development from the former Office for Children and the Department of Education.
Mr Brumby said new Education Minister Bronwyn Pike and new Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand would drive the new agenda.