Peter Gutwein
Treasurer Peter Gutwein could again assume responsibility for the forestry sector after the retirement of Paul Harriss. Premier Will Hodgman is set to unveil a new-look Cabinet after Mr Harriss’ shock departure, less than two years into the role. Source: ABC News
Mr Harriss is the first minister to go since the Liberal Government was elected in March 2014.
Mr Hodgman would not be drawn on whether Mr Harriss’ retirement would trigger a major reshuffle or merely a replacement for the mining and forestry portfolio.
With 15 Liberal MPs in the House of Assembly, plus two in the Upper House, Mr Hodgman has several options.
There was speculation he may turn to the strong-performing Peter Gutwein, who was the Liberal spokesman on forestry and mining for many years in opposition.
Mr Gutwein does not want to lose his position as Treasurer, but could hand over responsibility for his other portfolios of Planning or Local Government in the reshuffle.
Parliamentary secretary Adam Brooks, who made his fortune in the mining sector, is also expected to emerge a winner.
Mr Hodgman was confident there would be a smooth transition with the change unlikely to lead to any policy shifts.
“The advantage of having a very strong and unified time with a shared objective and agenda is we can work through difficult challenges,” he said.
“When a decision like this is made, we respect that, but the Government will remain focused on what our job is.”
State Opposition Leader Bryan Green urged the Government to use the opportunity to clear out ministers he believed were underperforming, including Energy Minister Matthew Groom and Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma.
“Matthew Groom’s performance over recent times justifies the Premier getting rid of the dead wood in his Government right now and sacking Mr Groom … as part of this reshuffle,” he said.
“My view is that there must be a more significant reshuffle than just one person leaving in Mr Harriss. Quite clearly there are a lot of problems within this executive Cabinet.”
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor hoped a reshuffle would cause a rethink on forestry policy, but refrained from predicting who would take over.
“I think being suggested or anointed by the leader of the Greens would effectively be the kiss of death,” she said.
Since Mr Harriss is leaving Parliament a recount will be needed to fill the vacancy in the southern electorate of Franklin.
Fellow Liberal candidate and government staffer Nic Street is the frontrunner to win that. Although there was a close battle between Mr Harriss and former Labor minister David O’Byrne to claim the fifth seat in Franklin, Mr Harriss’ preferences are likely to flow to the Liberal candidate.
