Date:  14 February 2008

NEW CABINET TEAM APPOINTED

Chief Minister Paul Henderson has welcomed the Member for Daly to his new Cabinet line up at the official swearing in at Government House this morning.

Member for Daly, Rob Knight, was elected to the Ministry by his colleagues earlier this week.

“The Northern Territory is the best place to live, work and raise a family and my whole Cabinet team is committed to making it even better,” Mr Henderson said.

“The Government is committed to delivering Local Government reform where it is needed most – in the bush – and Rob’s hard work and dedication both as a Local Member and in various Parliamentary roles will serve him well in driving this reform forward.”

Mr Knight will also serve as Minister for Central Australia.

The Member for Stuart, Karl Hampton, will assume the role of Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development.

Minister for Business, Economic and Regional Development Kon Vatskalis will take on responsibility for Housing.

“Improved housing is a central issue in closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage, particularly in remote areas, and by combining Housing with key development portfolios my Government will be better able to maximise opportunities for growth in remote areas,” said Mr Henderson.

“I have also taken on responsibility for the new portfolio of Information, Communications and Technology Policy.

“I want to fully harness technology such as broadband to provide better education, health and
e-Government services for Territorians into the future.”