Premier

Statement From The Premier

22 August 2021

I am very pleased to confirm that Lisa Neville has returned from leave and resumes her ministerial duties today.

Lisa has shown enormous strength and resilience through her recovery from surgery and treatment for Crohn’s disease, and I know how determined she has been to return to work.

Lisa will continue in her roles as the Minister for Water, Minister for Police and Coordinating Minister of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

She also retains responsibility for COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria (CQV) as it continues to play a significant role in our pandemic response. Preparations are now underway to establish the new quarantine facility at Mickleham which will be run by CQV, reporting through the Police portfolio.

As part of her return-to-work planning, Lisa and I have discussed what she needs to do to ensure her health continues to improve and her recovery is sustainable.

After considering advice from her doctors, she has been clear that some of the requirements of the Emergency Services portfolio – including regular travel around to remote parts of the state at short notice – are simply not compatible with managing her condition and recovery.

On that basis, Attorney General Jaclyn Symes will now take over as Minister for Emergency Services, working with Emergency Management Victoria and our emergency services organisations to continue preparations for the next fire season.

She will also lead our disaster recovery work with Bushfire Recovery Victoria and continue supporting communities recently affected by storms and flooding.

Jaala Pulford adds Resources to her existing economic portfolio responsibilities, overseeing the regulation of this important sector and supporting it to continuing creating jobs and supplying the vital materials underpinning our infrastructure boom.

Finally, can I thank Danny Pearson and Richard Wynne for acting in Lisa’s portfolios while she recovered.

Reviewed 22 August 2021

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