CHIEF MINISTER Andrew Barr has announced that Yvette Berry will follow in her father Wayne’s footsteps into a Ministry in the ACT Government.

A press conference to announce her responsibilities will be held at 11.30am this morning at the Higgins shops.

As well as putting another woman into the Ministry it gives the seat of Ginninderra a much needed representation in Cabinet.

This promotion makes Yvette the first second generation Minister in the history of the ACT Government.

[Photo via yvetteberry.com.au]

UPDATE: The new Ministry will be announced at 10am tomorrow, January 19.

UPDATE: Andrew Barr has had this to say:

The Labor Caucus elected Yvette this morning, filling the role in the Ministry left by the former Chief Minister. Her portfolio responsibilities will be announced tomorrow, along with those of the other five ministers.

I’m delighted Yvette has been appointed to this role by the Labor Caucus. She has displayed her skills and commitment to her community as an MLA and I’m confident she will be a real asset to the Government and to the people of the ACT.

Yvette has been an MLA since the 2012 election after proving herself to be a strong and effective advocate for the people of Ginninderra and West Belconnen.

She is a hardworking member of the assembly, chairing the Select Committee on Regional Development and the Planning, Environment and Territory and Municipal Services Standing Committee. She has also served on a number of other committees in areas including Public Accounts, Justice and Community Safety and Education, Training, Youth and Community Affairs.

Before joining the assembly, Yvette worked in the hospitality industry and as a community organiser for United Voice- standing up for low income workers in the ACT. I have no doubt she will continue to stand up for working families and fight for the disadvantaged in her role as a minister.

UPDATE: Yvette has made this statement:

It’s a privilege to be a minister in the ACT Government. I’m grateful to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, as well as my Assembly caucus colleagues for their support today.

For more than 15 years I worked as a community organiser, representing workers and their families to win fairer wages and better conditions. I believe politics is about ensuring that everyone has a chance to be heard and participate in their community.

I entered politics because I wanted to give a voice to people on low incomes, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, young people, sole parents and those who are vulnerable in our community. I believe I’ve been able to do this during my time as an MLA and I’m proud to be the local member for Ginninderra and West Belconnen.

West Belconnen is where I grew up. I went to Holt Primary, Ginninderra High and Hawker College. Most importantly, it’s where I’m raising my family today.

I am honored to be able to continue working with the families in my local community and now, as a new minister, being able to represent and work with Canberrans across our city to make it an even better place to live.