Tasmania's Liberal government will begin the parliamentary year with two fresh ministers and a new lower house member following several resignations in recent weeks.
Labor-turned-independent-turned-Liberal MP Madeleine Ogilvie was on Monday handed five portfolios previously belonging to Jane Howlett, who left cabinet last week following the death of her brother.
Ms Ogilvie spent one term in parliament as a Labor member from 2014 and returned to the lower house as an independent in 2019 due to a recount triggered by a Labor resignation.
She joined the Liberals shortly after the 2021 state poll was called and was narrowly re-elected in the Hobart-based seat of Clark.
"My life has been about serving the people of Clark. I have always had my eye on that," she said.
"To do that I've had to make changes but they're not insurmountable. I've really found my home and my people in the Liberal party."
Ms Ogilvie's appointment comes less than two weeks after a cabinet reshuffle triggered by the resignation of former education minister Sarah Courtney.
Ms Courtney quit politics amid criticism of her overseas holiday during back-to-school preparations and cited a desire to spend more time with family.
Backbencher Nic Street was promoted to cabinet, while Lara Alexander replaced Ms Courtney in the lower house following a recount in the electorate of Bass.
Ms Alexander, who was the boss of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Tasmania, made headlines in the lead-up to the May state poll when her campaign manager accused the Liberals of stopping her from speaking publicly.
Premier Peter Gutwein has described Ms Alexander as a "fantastic addition" to his team and a passionate advocate for the state's north.
He brushed aside a suggestion Ms Ogilvie and Ms Alexander could be "rogue" MPs.
State parliament returns on Tuesday for the first sitting day of the year.
Ms Ogilvie, who has previously worked as a lawyer and Telstra manager, will assume the small business, women, hospitality and events, disability services, and racing portfolios.
"She will bring a steady hand and clear thinking to her role and importantly will remain a strong voice for those that she represents," Mr Gutwein said.
Ms Howlett remains a member of the upper house.
