Queensland shifts for new crew
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Queensland has ditched some high-ranking public servants as part of its cabinet overhaul.
Queensland’s new government has removed four prominent directors-general in a strategic reshuffle, including Health chief Mike Walsh and Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services head Deidre Mulkerin.
Announced alongside a cabinet reorganisation, the new government says the change brings “a mix of continuity and new energy” to advance Queensland’s agenda, according to Premier David Crisafulli.
Ten new directors-general have been appointed to lead the administration’s policy objectives, following the recent announcement of new ministries.
Twelve directors-general will continue in their roles, with eight others holding acting positions until they are filled permanently.
Dr David Rosengren will assume the director-general role for Queensland Health, succeeding Walsh. Rosengren, former Chief Operating Officer of Queensland Health, previously led Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service and has experience in emergency medicine and administration.
Mulkerin’s former department, now rebranded as the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, will be led on an interim basis by Rob Seiler.
In the Attorney-General and Justice department, Jasmina Joldić has been replaced with Kate Connors and Brigita Cunnington taking interim roles.
Public Service Commissioner David Mackie fills the role left by former Director-General of Premier and Cabinet Mike Kaiser.
Permanent appointees include John Sosso as Director-General of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Trish O’Callaghan as Director-General of the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, starting on 11 November, with Ben Klaassen managing O’Callaghan’s role in the interim.
Several directors-general remain in place, including Steve Gollschewski for Queensland Police, Paul Stewart for Corrective Services, and Bob Gee for Youth Justice and Victim Support.
Acting appointments include Rachel Crossland for Queensland Treasury, Sharon Schimming for Education, Kathy Parton for Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Steven Koch for Customer Services, Open Data, and Small and Family Business.
Despite new ministries like Victim Support, Customer Services, and Open Data, the cabinet retains the structure held by the Liberal National Party in opposition.
Deputy Leader Jarrod Bleijie will handle State Development, Infrastructure, Planning, and Industrial Relations, while David Janetzki adds Energy and Home Ownership to his Treasury role. Ros Bates moves from Health to Finance, Trade, Employment, and Training.
“By bringing together Tourism and Environment under the one portfolio with an experienced minister in Andrew Powell, we will overcome the roadblocks that have stood in the way of Queensland benefitting from important new eco-tourism opportunities,” Crisafulli said.
The premier says the Customer Service and Open Data portfolio aims to make Queensland “Australia’s most customer service-focused government”.
The government also announced it would end the state’s Path to Treaty Inquiry, a bipartisan initiative that faced setbacks following the Voice to Parliament referendum’s failure.
Crisafulli confirmed the repeal would proceed “in a respectful and decent way”, but has drawn opposition from Inquiry Chair Joshua Creamer, who called the decision “unprecedented”.
Crisafulli has prioritised criminal law reform, pledging new legislation to address sentencing, youth crime, and victim rights.