November 11, 2016
Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne has been confirmed as the new Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Economic Development.
Mr Byrne had been acting in the agriculture portfolio since last week when former Minister Leanne Donaldson suddenly resigned.
His old portfolio has been taken over by Member for Morayfield and former lawyer Mark Ryan who will be the new Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and Minister for Corrective Services.
“Bill Byrne has done a fantastic job as Agriculture and Fisheries Minister before and I know he’ll do so again,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“Representing the people of Rockhampton – Australia’s Beef Capital – Bill has long been a champion for the bush and I know he’s excited about taking on the portfolio again.
“I have tasked Bill to also focus on Rural Economic Development, particularly with my government’s plans for the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, strengthening debt mediation provisions for our farmers and our commitment to agricultural research and development and biosecurity.”
Two Assistant Ministerial appointments were also announced on Friday:
- Assistant Minister of State Assisting the Premier – Jennifer Howard
- Assistant Minister for Local Government and Infrastructure – Glenn Butcher
