Collins in the new Gillard Ministry

The Federal Member for Franklin, Julie Collins MP, was today named as the new Minister for Community Services, the Status of Women, Indigenous Employment and Economic Development.

“I am extremely honoured to take this new role in the new Gillard Government ministry and look forward to the challenges it will bring,” Ms Collins said.

“This is a vote of confidence in the Tasmanian Labor team with the Federal Member for Braddon, Sid Sidebottom, also being promoted to Parliamentary Secretary.

Ms Collins will retain her responsibilities in the community services area, with programs including emergency relief and financial counselling and the Family Support Program.

“I have worked hard over the past 14 months as Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services,” Ms Collins said.

“Since becoming Parliamentary Secretary, I have worked closely with the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, to implement reforms in the sector.

“These include the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children, giving service providers more certainty by extending contracts for three years under the Community Investment Program, the Financial Management Program and the $1 billion Family Support Program and convening the first Children and Family Roundtable.”

Ms Collins gains the Status of Women, Indigenous Employment and Economic Development portfolios, including implementing the Indigenous Economic Development Strategy 2011-2018 and the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

“I look forward to continuing the important work done by Minister Ellis to improve the status of women in Australia.

“I am also looking forward to working hard in these important portfolio areas,” Ms Collins said.