Premier Anna Bligh announced today Governor in Council had given approval for new responsibilities for two Parliamentary Secretaries. Ms Bligh said the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Member for Mansfield, Mr Phil Reeves, would also now have an additional special responsibility for Veteran Affairs. "Phil does a terrific job as my Parliamentary Secretary," Ms Bligh said. "He is well known among a range of community organisations and I want him to work closely with organisations such as Legacy, the Returned Services League and Anzac Day Commeration Committee.

"Unfortunately many of our diggers are growing older or have passed away. However, the obligation is on our current generation to recognise and remember the role they played in protecting our country. It is our responsibility to continue to honour them for our children and our grandchildren. I expect Phil to work closely with these organisations to ensure the role of our diggers is appropriately recognised and respected. I want all aspects of state assistance and commemorations to Queensland veterans and widows to be amalgamated and be the responsibility of Phil on my behalf. He will be the voice of veterans in our Government."

Ms Bligh also announced that the Member for Indooroopilly, Mr Ronan Lee, had been transferred to the role of Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland. " I have asked Ronan to assist Kerry Shine with the Fair Trading area of his portfolio," she said. "We have recently introduced significant legislative reform in the area of pay day lending. I want Ronan to monitor the impacts of this legislation and its effects in the lending market and broader community. He has a strong reputation for consumer advocacy and I want him to work closely with consumers and the disadvantaged to make sure this legislation works."