Rachel Stephen-Smith has been appointed Deputy Chief Minister and Caitlin Tough has joined the ACT Cabinet following Yvette Berry’s resignation from the front banch last week.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced the reshuffle on Monday, with several major portfolios; including education, health, housing and transport; all changing hands.
Ms Berry resigned as Deputy Chief Minister and from all ministerial positions on Thursday 23 July. She will remain in the Legislative Assembly as a Labor MLA for Ginninderra, sitting on the backbench.
Her resignation followed the release of the ACT Integrity Commission’s Operation Kingfisher report, which found two former senior officials engaged in serious corrupt conduct during the procurement process for the Campbell Primary School modernisation project.
The Commission made no findings against Ms Berry. She said she had decided to accept responsibility for the conduct of her former staff member.
What has changed
Rachel Stephen-Smith becomes the ACT’s 14th Deputy Chief Minister. After seven years as Health Minister, she will now be responsible for:
- Education
- Child Development and Wellbeing
- Finance
- The ACT Public Service
- Health Infrastructure
Marisa Paterson becomes Minister for Health and Minister for Mental Health. She will also retain responsibility for police, fire and emergency services, and gaming reform.
Brindabella MLA Caitlin Tough has been promoted to Cabinet for the first time. Her portfolios include:
- Human Rights
- Community Services
- Corrections
- Women, Seniors and Veterans
- Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence
Ms Tough’s appointment means all five ACT electorates are now represented in Cabinet.
Suzanne Orr will take responsibility for Housing and Homelessness, alongside her existing portfolios covering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, climate change, environment, energy and water, disability, autism and neurodiversity, and equality.
Chris Steel remains Treasurer and Planning Minister and takes on Sport and Recreation.
Tara Cheyne becomes Transport Minister while continuing as Attorney-General, Manager of Government Business and Minister for City and Government Services.
Michael Pettersson adds the Night-Time Economy to his arts and creative industries responsibilities. He will also continue to oversee business and industry, skills and training, children, youth and families, and multicultural affairs.
Andrew Barr remains Chief Minister and will oversee trade, investment and the knowledge economy, tourism and events, and major projects.
Mr Barr said the refreshed Cabinet would focus on housing, economic development, infrastructure and public services.
The new portfolios will take effect on Thursday 30 July 2026. The first meeting of the new Cabinet will be held on Wednesday 5 August.
