Premier announces Ministerial appointments

Premier Campbell Newman has announced the appointment of Ian Walker to the Queensland Government Cabinet, as Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts.

The Premier said Mr Walker had deserved his promotion to Cabinet after performing strongly in his role as the Assistant Minster for Planning Reform.

“Ian has the ability, experience and passion to be a strong Minister and his appointment is well deserved,” Mr Newman said.

“Ian has successfully led the government’s planning reform agenda that has seen local government further empowered and red-tape cut.

“As Minister, Ian will play an important role in overseeing initiatives to drive the arts sector across the state and ensure the arts is accessible for all Queenslanders.  

“He will also drive the whole-of-government IT audit to better understand our capabilities and priorities and avoid another $1.2 billion health payroll Labor Party debacle.”

Mr Walker said he was particularly excited at the prospect of once again being deeply involved in Queensland's arts scene.

“I have had a long association and love of the arts.   As Minister I want to see all aspects of our lively arts scene - from high culture to broad community participation - given the exposure and support it deserves,” Mr Walker said.

Mr Newman also announced that Rob Molhoek would become Assistant Minister for Planning Reform and Tarnya Smith would be promoted to Assistant Minister for Child Safety.

“Rob has extensive experience in local government, giving him the perfect background to continue our planning reform agenda,” Mr Newman said

“He will play an important role in engaging with local councils on a range of issues, including legal protection for councils from inappropriate development on flood-prone land.

“I congratulate Tarnya on her appointment as Assistant Minister.  She is a hard working local member who will bring the same energy to her new position to make Queensland the safest place for children in the country.”

[ENDS] 17 February 2013

Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500

Bios

Ian Walker

Ian is the Member for Mansfield.  He has a distinguished career in the legal sector, having worked in a prominent Queensland law firm since 1976 and becoming a partner in 1984.

That firm has grown to become one of the world's 10 largest law firms. Ian was Managing Partner of the Brisbane Office.

Active in Queensland's Arts scene, Ian chaired the Board of Queensland's successful chamber orchestra the "Camerata of St John's" between 2007 and 2011.

Rob Molhoek

Rob is the Member for Southport.  He began his career with Woolworths Big W, becoming one of the company’s youngest senior managers.

Rob has owned and operated numerous small businesses including coffee shops, a fitness centre, and a chain of rural based pizza stores.

In 2004 Rob was elected to the Gold Coast City Council where he served one term and served as the Chairman of the City’s Finance and Internal Services Committee.

Rob was the founding Chair of the Gold Coast Community Fund, the Chair of the Gold Coast NRL Titans Community Foundation, and is a mentor to many community leaders.

Tarnya Smith

Tarnya is Member for Mount Ommaney.  She is a community advocate, small business owner, a wife and mother of three.

As a mother she understands the importance of providing the safest possible environment for our children. She also has extensive background human resources, within both Queensland Health and the private enterprise sector.

She also understands the vital role that volunteer community groups play within the electorate of Mount Ommaney. Tarnya is a keen a local supporter and donor to many community groups, including the Magpie’s Junior Rugby League Football Club, WASP Junior Rugby Union and Little Athletics.