Former mayor Kerry Vincent is the Tasmanian government’s new minister for infrastructure and local government.
Mayor of Sorell Council for 12 years, Vincent’s cabinet appointment raised a few eyebrows from those pointing to the newcomer’s lack of ministerial experience.
However, premier Jeremy Rockliff stood by Vincent’s appointment, saying: “Kerry will be a key driver of better outcomes for a number of key infrastructure projects across the state. Kerry has a wealth of experience in local government and fully understands the challenges and opportunities it faces.”
Rockliff said Vincent had played “an instrumental role” in the transformation of Sorell – in the state’s north-east – which, in partnership with state and federal governments, has seen the construction of “generational infrastructure”.
The Local Government Association of Tasmania congratulated Vincent on his appointment. “We are pleased to have Kerry as minister, he was one of the sector’s most experienced and respected mayors before moving to state parliament earlier this year,” LGAT president Mick Tucker said.
On behalf of 29 councils across the state, Tucker said: “The sector looks forward to working with the new minister on a range of opportunities for local government.”
Vincent will be responsible for leading the government’s $5.1 billion infrastructure agenda, which includes:
- $1.9 billion for new and upgraded roads and bridges
- $649.6 million into hospitals and other health infrastructure
- $359.2 million in schools and skills training facilities
- $287.3 million into new courts, correctional facilities and assets to support Tasmania Police.
Vincent said he looked forward to playing a part in ensuring the projects come to fruition. “Tasmania is on the cusp of completing some of the biggest infrastructure projects in our state’s history, as well as planning for future infrastructure that will improve the lives of Tasmanians for generations to come.”
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