Gov’t announces changes in ministerial portfolio assignments

The government has announced several changes to ministerial portfolios in a release issued yesterday, November 5.

Governor Daniel Pruce signed the instruments of appointment, formalising the adjustments. However, the reasons behind the shift were not immediately clear. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley now oversees the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation, and of course, the Premier’s Office. He is supported by Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Karl Dawson, and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Luce Hodge-Smith. The Premier’s Office now oversees Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Veterinary services, previously managed by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change. Additionally, Constitutional Advancement has been formally added to its responsibilities, reinforcing its leadership in constitutional matters.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development has incorporated Statistics from the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, and District Councils from the Premier’s Office, broadening its scope to include data management and local governance. Formerly known as the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation has been renamed to reflect its expanded role. It now includes Cooperatives, Industrial Development (including incentives), Immigration, the Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment Development (RATED) Programme, and Weights and Measures.