The Queensland Government has announced Ian Walker as the new State Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, with Rob Molhoek taking the position of Assistant Minister for Planning Reform and Tarnya Smith named the new Assistant Minister for Child Safety.

Premier Campbell Newman said that Mr walker richly deserved his promotion to Cabinet after performing strongly in his role as Assistant Minister for Planning Reform.

“Ian has the ability, experience and passion to be a strong Minister and his appointment is well deserved,” Mr Newman said.

“Ian has successfully led the government’s planning reform agenda that has seen local government further empowered and red-tape cut.”

“As Minister, Ian will play an important role in overseeing initiatives to drive the arts sector across the state and ensure the arts is accessible for all Queenslanders.