Former opposition leader Jeremy Hanson has retained a spot in the shadow cabinet, while his successor Alistair Coe has kept the Transport and Treasury portfolios, despite the failed election campaign on light rail.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Canberra Liberals announced their shadow ministries on Wednesday morning, giving portfolios to each of the seven returning and four new members.
Mr Hanson, who did not stand for leader in last week's spill, remains shadow attorney-general and opposition spokesman for veterans' affairs, but loses the health portfolio to former speaker Vicki Dunne, who also takes arts.
Mr Coe held on to the treasury, economic development, and transport portfolios. He was the architect of the Liberals' alternative bus and roads plan taken to the election, and helped lead the failed campaign on light rail.
Asked whether he considered giving up the roles, Mr Coe said he was determined to put his knowledge of transport to "the best possible use".
"We accept the first stage of light rail is going to happen," he said.
"The challenge now is going to make sure it actually integrates properly, especially for the 97 per cent of Canberrans who don't live within walking distance of the proposed tram stops.
"I'm very determined to make sure that I use the knowledge I've acquired in the transport space over the last term to the best possible use, and to make sure that we have a genuine plan that light rail integrates as it should."
Deputy Liberals leader Nicole Lawder takes on planning as well as infrastructure and heritage, while Andrew Wall will shadow education, industrial relations, and local business and tourism.
The opposition spokeswoman for police and emergency services, corrections, and women will be Giulia Jones.
Mr Hanson gives up the health portfolio that he held for eight years. He denies the current transition period is difficult for him.
"Not at all, this is the nature of politics," he said.
"We, I think, had a very solid four years in the last term of the Assembly, and I look forward to being part of the team in this new Assembly."
He said Ms Dunne's move to the health portfolio would provide a fresh perspective and a consumer-focused approach.
Mr Coe also voiced some concern about the Labor-Greens plan to ban political donations from developers, a similar scheme to that operating in NSW.
He said the Liberals were yet to form a final position on the issue, but that the legislation should be subject to more detailed scrutiny through a committee.
"I think we have to be very careful with this legislation," he said.
"It's very difficult to, in effect, say there are two classes of people. One class that can donate, and another class that cannot."
The full Canberra Liberals shadow ministry:
Alistair Coe: treasurer, economic development, transport
Nicole Lawder: planning and infrastructure, heritage
Andrew Wall: education and training, local business and tourism, industrial relations
Jeremy Hanson: attorney-general, veterans' affairs
Giulia Jones: police and emergency services, corrections, women
Vicki Dunne: health, arts
Steve Doszpot: urban services, ICT, seniors
Elizabeth Lee: environment, disability
Elizabeth Kikkert: families, youth and community services, multicultural affairs
Mark Parton: gaming and racing, housing
James Milligan: Indigenous affairs, sport and recreation.
