Former state Treasurer and two-time regions minister Jaclyn Symes has been appointed as Victoria’s new energy minister in the lead up to the state election in November.
Until today, Symes had been treasurer since 2024, delivering two budgets that unveiled the dire state of Victoria’s finances, and has held other portfolios, including two stints as the minister for regional development — a role that may serve her well as the state seeks to build generation and transmission in the regions.
Symes will take on all of the portfolios held by Lily D’Ambrosio, who until her resignation amidst the political turmoil of a leadership change last week had been in the portfolio since 2014, making her the country’s longest serving energy minister.
Renew Economy is seeking comment from Symes, who was elected to the state parliament during D’Ambrosio’s first year as energy minister.
The new premier Ben Carroll says his new, shrunken cabinet will deliver a “new direction.”
