Anna Bligh has appointed former Health Minister Stephen Robertson to the Natural Resources, Mines, Energy and Trade post.
Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche welcomed the appointment, rejecting claims the reshuffle was a demotion for Robertson.
“Minister Robertson will be in charge of an industry representing 20% of the Queensland economy, 12% of the state’s employment,” he said.
“I think the Minister would regard this as probably one of the most significant economic jobs in the Cabinet.
“With Queensland’s resources sector forecast to be worth almost $50 billion to the Queensland economy in 2008-09, Premier Bligh’s appointment of a senior Minister to the portfolio is very welcome and the QRC looks forward to working again with Minister Robertson in the implementation of the Bligh Government’s resources agenda.”