The Northern Territory public sector is to undergo a major restructure, the new government has announced.

“We are aligning our public sector structures with our government’s top priorities, building a stronger, more specialised public service with technical expertise within smaller departments, empowering quicker and informed decisions that are made closer to the ground,” chief minister Lia Finocchiaro said in a statement. “The new structures will also enable services to be more agile and responsive.”

As part of the public service shake-up, the heads of the territory’s health and education departments – Marco Briceno and Karen Weston – have been dismissed from their roles.

Both departments underperformed in recent years: the health budget had an overspend of $200 million, while education services across the territory were grossly under-funded.

The Country Liberal Party cabinet was sworn in at NT Government House on Tuesday.

“We are determined to lead a government which is effective, coordinated and focused on the priorities of Territorians,” Finocchiaro said. “Together we will rebuild the territory for all Territorians.”

Announcing community safety as her first priority, Finocchiaro – who will also hold the police, emergency services, and defence portfolios – said the government was “on track to deliver our promised reforms on bail and increased police powers in the first week of parliament”.

Gerard Maley will act as deputy chief minister, he will also be responsible for the corrections; renewables; agriculture and fisheries; recreational fishing; and mining and energy portfolios.

Other cabinet members include:

• Marie-Clare Boothby – tourism and hospitality; major events; racing; parks and wildlife
• Josh Burgoyne – lands, planning and environment; corporate and digital development; water resources
• Robyn Cahill – trade, business and Asian relations; international education, migration and population; workforce development; advanced manufacturing; children and families; child protection; prevention of domestic violence
• Jinson Charls – disability; arts; veterans; multicultural affairs; sport and culture; youth, seniors and equality
• Steve Edgington – health, mental health, alcohol policy, Aboriginal affairs, essential services, and housing, local government and community development
• Jo Hersey – education and training, early education, and public service
• Bill Yan – logistics and infrastructure, and housing construction.

Among the portfolios dropped: climate change and remote housing. There will also be no minister for women or suicide prevention.

“The CLP cabinet has been sworn in,” Finocchiaro said after the ceremony. “This is a moment in history where the territory starts to move forward.”

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