All available Canberra Liberals are back in the Shadow Cabinet in the latest reshuffle. Photo: Supplied.
Elizabeth Lee and Peter Cain are once again taking on portfolio responsibilities as the Canberra Liberals revealed their third Shadow Cabinet for this term of government.
Ms Lee chose not to take on a Shadow Cabinet role after the party lost the 2024 election, while Mr Cain quit Shadow Cabinet in June because of his disillusionment with the former leadership team.
Ms Castley and Mr Hanson stood down from their leadership positions on 10 November, with then-Speaker Mark Parton and newcomer Deborah Morris stepping into the positions.
Former deputy leader Jeremy Hanson filled the vacant Speaker role earlier this week.
All this movement meant that yet another reshuffle was needed for the Canberra Liberals.
Mr Parton said the team would bring energy, experience and accountability at a pivotal moment for the ACT.
“The renewed line-up reflects our commitment to building an alternative government that restores trust, makes housing affordable, fixes our health system, keeps our streets safe, ends waste and returns fiscal responsibility,” he said.
“We’ve sorted ourselves out … and we’re looking forward to prosecuting all matters of importance, and sticking up for the people out in the suburbs.
“We are here to reclaim Canberra for suburban Canberrans.”
Mr Parton is now the Shadow Health, Transport, Gaming and Racing, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs minister.
Ms Morris kept her Shadow Police, Emergency Services and Community Safety, and Corrections responsibilities, adding Planning, and Home Ownership and Housing Affordability alongside her deputy leader role.
Ed Cocks remained the Shadow Treasurer and Opposition whip, but picked up Private Sector Employment and Industrial Relations, and Youth Affairs.
Chiaka Barry is now the Shadow Attorney-General, but kept Multicultural Affairs and the newly named Social Housing and Homelessness portfolios.
James Milligan remained the Shadow Skills and Vocational Training, Sport and Recreation, Arts and Creative Industries Minister, but is also now responsible for Business Innovation and Economic Development.
Former Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley is now responsible for the City Services, Women, and Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence shadow roles.
Peter Cain has taken on Community Services, Government Services, Veterans and Seniors, while Elizabeth Lee is in charge of Education, Environment and Climate Change, and Tourism and Events.
As Jeremy Hanson is the Speaker in the Legislative Assembly, he cannot hold any Cabinet positions.
Ms Lee and Mr Cain were suspended from the party room by former Opposition Leader Leanne Castley in October after they crossed the floor to vote with the Greens and Independents in a failed bid to stop the Assembly 2026 sitting calendar from being reduced from 13 weeks to 12.
Ms Lee said she was ready to move forward with the party.
“The last couple of months have been incredibly difficult, not just for me personally and my team but also the across broader Canberra Liberals team,” she said.
“We’ve all [done] some serious thinking in the last couple of weeks and there’s been no doubt of the support that I have received from the new leadership team.
“I’m keen to roll my sleeves up and continuing the great work that, I think, my office did when I held the education portfolio last time.”
Mr Parton said discussion were still being had about party room procedures and whether they’ll be changed in light of what happened to Mr Cain and Ms Lee.
