Queensland's new cabinet is taking shape, with the state's youngest minister tipped to take over housing.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon, 30, is expected to take over the housing portfolio from Leeanne Enoch when the new ministry is officially revealed and sworn in tomorrow.
But the biggest move is expected to be Health Minister Yvette D'Ath, who government sources say will likely return to her previous portfolio of attorney-general, in a direct swap with Shannon Fentiman.
In health, Ms Fentiman will be taking on what is regarded as one of the most difficult portfolios.
Ms D'Ath has been health minister since Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's government won a third term in office in October, 2020.
Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard is also likely to be moved from her portfolio.
There are not expected to be any moves in or out of the cabinet, with the three ministers expected to retain a portfolio.
It is not clear yet who will take over youth justice.
Public frustration over youth crime, health and housing has put unrelenting pressure on the state government in recent months.
Failure to reset
The state opposition – which has repeatedly called for Ms D'Ath's resignation as health minister – said the rumoured reshuffle solves nothing.
"How on earth can the premier try and reset her government by utilising the same people in the same cabinet … earning the same amount of money?" deputy opposition leader Jarrod Bleijie said.
"There are no consequences by a simple reshuffle using the existing people."
"If they're not sacking these ministers then no one is being held accountable for the mistakes of this government."
'One of the hardest portfolios'
But Police Minister Mark Ryan – who will keep his portfolio – said he had faith in every minister.
He singled out Ms D'Ath, who he said had done a "great job" as health minister.
"Health is one of the hardest portfolios; it's relentless," Mr Ryan said.
"She was a health minister in COVID, there's lots of pressure of public health systems right actors the world, and she's done a great job."
Mr Ryan said he believed the minsters would do well in their new portfolios – but was thankful he wasn't reassigned.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart, Small Business Minister Di Farmer and Water Minister Glen Butcher all deflected questions about the reshuffle – saying it was a matter for the premier.
All three expressed confidence in their fellow cabinet ministers.
"We've gone to elections before with the same cabinet and I have faith in all the cabinet ministers that sit around the table," Mr Butcher said.
