The Canberra Liberals have announced a reshuffled shadow cabinet following a change in leadership last month. Party leader Mark Parton said it had taken "a little jockeying" to establish everyone's portfolios.
Elizabeth Lee and Peter Cain, who were previously suspended from the party room by former leader Leanne Castley, have returned to the shadow cabinet. Mr Parton was elected as leader last month, replacing Ms Castley, who stepped down after a year in the job. Deputy leader Jeremy Hanson also stepped down and was this week named speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Deborah Morris, Mr Parton's fellow member for the south Canberra electorate of Brindabella, was appointed the new deputy leader. "I think it's a beautiful thing that we move forward as an opposition that's here a) to hold the government to account, and b) to win government in 2028," Mr Parton said.
Peter Cain has returned to the shadow cabinet but not in the role he previously held as shadow attorney-general. The reshuffle also takes the health, transport, and home ownership portfolios away from Ms Castley. It rejoins the housing portfolios of housing affordability and home ownership, which had been split between Ms Castley and Mr Cain in the previous shadow cabinet announced in November 2024.
The portfolio of "environment and climate change" has been updated from its former "planning and environment" remit, indicating how the Canberra Liberals may differ in priorities from their federal counterparts, who recently dumped their target to reach net zero by 2050. Chiaka Barry, James Milligan and Ed Cocks have retained their responsibilities.
Mr Parton's ascension to the top job followed months of tension within the party. Elizabeth Lee and Peter Cain were suspended from the party room by Ms Castley in late October after they crossed the floor over moves to reduce the sitting calendar. Ms Lee confirmed she had put her hand up for the role of speaker but it was ultimately handed to Mr Hanson. Mr Parton confirmed there had been "robust discussions" within the party about the allocation of shadow portfolios.
