ICT Minister gains environment portfolio

ICT Minister Amy Adams has gained one portfolio and lost another in the cabinet reshuffle that has followed the departure of Nick Smith.

The Internal Affairs portfolio, previously touted as a natural counterpoint to ICT, has been given to Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, who will serve as a Minister outside cabinet.

In return, Adams will take over Smith’s Environment portfolio, with his other responsibilities, Local Government and Climate Change, going to David Carter and Tim Groser respectively.

The reshuffle follows an announcement in mid-March that the government would be setting up a Ministry of Business, Science and Innovation, headed by former ICT Minister Steve Joyce, to combine the functions of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Department of Labour, the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Department of Building and Housing.

That project is due to take effect on July 1.

What effect do you think the Environment portfolio could have on Adams’ ICT commitments? Post your comments below.