The Canberra Liberals have announced a reshuffled shadow cabinet under new leader Mark Parton, who took over the party last month. The changes include the return of Elizabeth Lee and Peter Cain, who were previously suspended from the party room by former leader Leanne Castley.
Parton said it took "a little jockeying" to finalize portfolios. The reshuffle reassigns health, transport, and home ownership portfolios away from Castley, and reunites housing affordability and home ownership under a single portfolio. The former "planning and environment" portfolio has been updated to "environment and climate change," signaling a potential shift in priorities from the federal Liberals.
Deborah Morris, Parton's fellow member for Brindabella, was appointed deputy leader, replacing Jeremy Hanson, who became speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly. Chiaka Barry, James Milligan, and Ed Cocks retained their responsibilities.
Parton's leadership follows months of internal tension, including the suspension of Lee and Cain in late October after they crossed the floor over a reduction in the sitting calendar. Lee confirmed she had expressed interest in the speaker role but lost to Hanson in a party room vote.
Parton emphasized moving forward as an opposition focused on holding the government accountable and winning government in 2028. Lee acknowledged the difficult recent months but expressed commitment to the team.
