Bligh Reshuffle 

One of the first major decisions made by Premier Bligh following her re-election was to commit the State Government to a massive restructuring of Queensland’s public service.

 While little has been seen in the media as yet, the implications of the proposed changes would appear far-reaching, and it is yet to be known how the changes will be implemented. For Queensland’s primary industries, the change will see the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries merged into the newly created Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.

 In total, 23 previously stand-alone departments of which the QDPI was one, will be amalgamated into 13 new departments based on their ‘related functions’.

One of the primary underlying reasons being given for the change is that the Government wanting to pursue opportunities to better co-ordinate public policy and deliver enhanced front line services to Queensland.

The changes are certainly significant. The new department with responsibility for what was formerly QDPI, will also be responsible for the former Departments of Mines and Energy and Tourism and Regional Development and Industry along with the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing as well as certain areas of responsibility from Employment and Industrial Relations; Justice and Attorney General, and Transport.

There will be four Ministers responsible for the new Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation , including Tim Mulherin who has been re-appointed with expanded responsibilities as the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland. Three other Ministers will cover the array of other areas for which the new Department is responsible.

Former QDPI&F Director General Rob Setter, has been given a changed role in the new Department, with the title of Associate Director-General (Primary Industries and Fisheries). He is one of three Associate Directors reporting to a new Director-General position.

No doubt change creates uncertainty. At first glance, it would appear that Queensland’s primary industries will achieve a similar level of representation to what has previously existed, given the ongoing leadership of Minister Mulherin and the Associate Director-General, Rob Setter.

 It would seem however, that the first challenge for the heads of the new Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation will be to convince those involved with primary industries that they will not lose the level of recognition and representation within the Government that they previously had.

Whether the changes can deliver the promised enhanced levels of service and cutting of red tape, given the blending of functions and departmental cultures which will need to occur, only time will tell.