Assistant Minister to have specific responsibility for the Environment

19 September 2008

Senator Freddie Cohen, the Minister for Planning and Environment, has announced that Assistant Minister Deputy Anne Pryke will have specific responsibility for Environment issues.

In her re-focused role, Deputy Pryke will lead the debate and discussion on environmental issues, ensuring they are prioritised in planning decisions and heard during debates in the States Chamber.

Deputy Pryke will retain her chairmanship of the Planning Applications Panel and will continue to lead on social housing issues, including the provision of retirement and first-time buyer homes.

Freddie Cohen Minister for Planning and Environment said “I am confident that in making this change and re-focusing the assistant minister's role, we will be seen to better balance environmental and planning issues."

Deputy Anne Pryke, said "This is an exciting development. I look forward to working with the staff at Environment in order to ensure that environmental issues and concerns are brought to the forefront of policy.  I am also looking forward to meeting and working with environmental groups and trusts."

The proposed change will take place immediately.