The face of the Northern Territory's resources industry is a former representative for an anti-fracking union, following changes to the Government's ministry.
Ministry reshuffle:
- Michael Gunner: Adds Business and Innovation and Defence to his porfolios
- Paul Kirby: Takes on Resources and Primary Industry portfolios
- Selena Uibo: Adds Aboriginal Affairs to her portfolios
- Dale Wakefield: Adds Energy Policy to her portfolio
- Natasha Fyles: Adds Arafura Games
- Nicole Manison: Adds Multicultural Affairs
- Eva Lawler: Adds Climate Change
Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced the ministry reshuffle this morning, which is the second so far in his Labor Government's term.
Mr Gunner has added the Business and Innovation and Defence portfolios to his existing list — which includes Northern Australia, Trade and Major Projects, Treaty and Children.
The Business and Innovation Portfolio had previously sat with Nicole Manison, while there was not previously a Minister for Defence.
Mr Gunner said the new roles would see him take personal responsibility for cutting red tape and bringing work to Territory businesses, but he did not reveal what hurdles constituted "red tape" or how they would be removed.
"The business community has said loud and clear that they want to see the cutting of red tape," he said.
"The Government has listened and I am taking personal responsibility for reducing red tape for Territory businesses.
"I also want as much of the $20 billion defence infrastructure investment to be delivered by local Territory businesses, which is why I have taken on the Defence Jobs portfolio."
New minister Paul Kirby will take on both the Resources and Primary Industry portfolios, which had previously sat with his sacked Cabinet predecessor Ken Vowles.
In a statement, the Government pointed to his "years of experience working with the oil and gas industry" — as a representative for the Electrical Trades Union, which was fiercely opposed to fracking.
Asked earlier in the week if he supported his Government's decision to allow fracking, he said: "Absolutely."
'Not one dollar to be spent on new stationery': Gunner
Selena Uibo will take on Aboriginal Affairs, after working as an assistant minister in the role.
She will also keep her existing portfolios of Education and Training.
Dale Wakefield will take on the newly created Energy Policy portfolio, in addition to her Renewables and Essential Services portfolio.
"This will ensure a coordinated focus on renewables, climate change, gas policy and the transition to a lower-carbon economy," a statement from the Government said.
Natasha Fyles will have responsibility for the Arafura Games as the Territory gears up for the beginning of competition in May.
Deputy Chief Minister Ms Manison adds Multicultural Affairs to her portfolios of Treasury and Police, Fire and Emergency Services.
Environment Minister Eva Lawler adds Climate Change to her portfolios.
The Chief Minister said no additional expenditure would be incurred as a result of portfolio name changes.
"I have given an absolute direction as chief to the public service that I don't want one dollar spent on new letterhead or new stationery or anything like that in response to these changes," Mr Gunner told ABC Radio.
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