ACT Opposition Leader Mark Parton has declared a fresh start for the Canberra Liberals, unveiling a new shadow cabinet that reunites the party room after a period of damaging internal conflict.
Healing Rifts and Drawing a Line
In a significant move to present a united front, Mr Parton announced on Thursday, December 4, 2025, that all members of the Liberal party room would be brought back into the fold. The reshuffle marks a deliberate effort to move past leadership tensions that have plagued the party.
"I'm certainly not here to focus on anything that's gone on in the past," Mr Parton stated. "We've just drawn a line in the sand and said, 'Let's just move on and get it done' and that's what we're doing." He emphasised the team's singular focus on winning government at the next ACT election in 2028.
Key Figures Return to the Frontbench
The most notable returns are those of Elizabeth Lee and Peter Cain. Ms Lee, the former opposition leader who was defeated in a post-election ballot in 2024 and had been sitting on the backbench, will rejoin shadow cabinet. She takes on the substantial portfolios of education, environment and climate change, and tourism and events.
Ms Lee acknowledged the recent difficulties, saying the past months had been "incredibly difficult" personally and for the broader team. She confirmed having "robust discussions" with Mr Parton and expressed eagerness to "roll my sleeves up" and return to work, particularly on education.
Peter Cain, who resigned from shadow cabinet in June 2025 citing a loss of confidence in the then-leadership, also returns. He will assume responsibility for community services, government services, veterans and seniors.
Parton Takes on Health, Policy Platform in Focus
In a strategic shift, Mr Parton will personally take charge of the critical health portfolio, which was previously held by his deputy, Leanne Castley. He cited serious problems in the territory's health system as a key motivation. "A lot of Canberrans are not getting the health services that they require," he said.
When questioned about the status of existing Liberal policies, the Opposition Leader sidestepped a direct answer but stressed the importance of developing a clear platform for an alternative government. He acknowledged the challenges of policy development in opposition but said it was "desperately important" to lay that foundation.
The reshuffle also sees Jeremy Hanson, recently elected as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, formally step away from party room meetings.
The full shadow cabinet lineup is as follows:
Mark Parton – Opposition Leader, Health, Transport, Gaming and Racing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.
Deborah Morris – Deputy Opposition Leader, Planning, Police, Emergency Services and Community Safety, Home Ownership and Housing Affordability, Corrections.
Ed Cocks – Opposition Whip, Treasury, Private Sector Employment and Industrial Relations, Youth Affairs.
Chiaka Barry – Attorney-General, Social Housing and Homelessness, Multicultural Affairs.
Leanne Castley – City Services, Women, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence.
Elizabeth Lee – Education, Environment and Climate Change, Tourism and Events.
James Milligan – Business Innovation and Economic Development, Skills and Vocational Training, Sport and Recreation, Arts and Creative Industries.
