Opposition (Australian Capital Territory)
The Opposition in the Australian territory of the Australian Capital Territory comprises the largest party not in Government. The Opposition's purpose is to hold the Government to account and constitute a "Government-in-waiting" should the existing Government fall. To that end, a Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Ministers for the various government departments question the Chief Minister and Ministers on Government policy and administration and formulate the policy the Opposition would pursue in Government. It is sometimes styled "His Majesty's Loyal Opposition" to demonstrate that although it opposes the Government, it remains loyal to the King.
The current Leader of the Opposition is Liberal Leader Leanne Castley, and Jeremy Hanson is the deputy leader.
Current Shadow Ministry (since 2023)
[edit]The Shadow Ministry was announced on 7 December 2023 following the deputy leadership spill on 4 December 2023 where Jeremy Hanson was voted out 5-3 in favour of Leanne Castley.[1][2] Jeremy Hanson was then removed from Shadow Cabinet alongside Elizabeth Kikkert in the reshuffle.
| Shadow Minister | Portfolio[3] | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Lee MLA |
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| Leanne Castley MLA |
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| Peter Cain MLA |
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| Nicole Lawder MLA |
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| James Milligan MLA |
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| Mark Parton MLA |
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| Ed Cocks MLA |
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2021-2023
[edit]The shadow ministry was announced on 8 April 2021. It was formed following the resignation of former Canberra Liberals Opposition Leader Alistair Coe by Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee.
On 2 June 2022 Giulia Jones resigned from the Legislative Assembly, and Ed Cocks was elected on countback on 20 June. Cocks was immediately elevated to Shadow Cabinet with portfolios for mental health, jobs and workplace affairs, and regulatory services. Leanne Castley retained health and wellbeing. Jeremy Hanson was elevated to Deputy Opposition Leader with the additional portfolio area for early childhood education. Peter Cain became responsible for multicultural affairs.
| Shadow Minister | Portfolio[4] | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Lee MLA |
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| Giulia Jones MLA |
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| Peter Cain MLA |
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| Leanne Castley MLA |
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| Jeremy Hanson MLA |
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| Elizabeth Kikkert MLA |
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| Nicole Lawder MLA |
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| James Milligan MLA |
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| Mark Parton MLA |
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See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Bladen, Lucy (7 December 2023). "Hanson dumped from shadow cabinet". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ Lindell, Jasper (3 December 2023). "Team needs to be 'in lockstep': Lee explains change in leadership". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ Lee, Elizabeth (7 December 2023). "Lee announces reshuffle of Shadow Cabinet". Elizabeth Lee MLA. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ Lee, Elizabeth (7 December 2023). "Lee announces reshuffle of Shadow Cabinet". Elizabeth Lee MLA. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
