4 December 2025

Elizabeth Lee and Peter Cain return from the backbench in latest Shadow Cabinet refresh

| By Claire Fenwicke
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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 resigned from the Shadow Cabinet in June, citing disillusionment with the leadership team of Leanne Castley and Jeremy Hanson, while Mr Cain quit earlier that month for the same reason.

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.

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.

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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.

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