Certain Opposition Shadow responsibilities have been reassigned by the Leader of the Opposition, Keith Azopardi. The changes took effect from the beginning of October. 

Damon Bossino adds Heritage to his existing responsibilities. Atrish Sanchez takes on the Equalities portfolio and Giovanni Origo is assigned the Transport responsibility. 

All other existing responsibilities assigned after the 2023 election remain. 

Mr Azopardi said: “These changes will bring about enhanced synergies in these areas of policy. For example, Damon already has responsibility for lands, development and planning and looking after heritage is a natural extension of some of the work he has been doing in relation to developments concerning heritage assets. Atrish takes the equalities responsibility which will work well with her already existing work in supported needs, disability, families and the elderly. I’ve asked Giovanni to take on the transport portfolio because of the overlap with a lot of the work he has been doing in the environmental field. That link is also clear in the news this week about the correlation between net zero targets and transport pollution. I had planned these changes during the late Summer but wanted the September meeting of Parliament to close out before formally giving effect to the changes. 

“I’m very pleased with the way the GSD team have taken on their Opposition work since the general election with enthusiasm and vigour. For all new MPs adapting to their new roles is a steep learning curve and a challenge. The whole team is developing well and cohesively and will become stronger. These adjustments will further help in that. This is not an Opposition reshuffle but about enhancing existing responsibilities. It may be appropriate to conduct a reshuffle of responsibilities later in the life of this Parliament to widen the experience of Opposition members as we face the next general election. But for now these changes will increase synergies within existing areas of responsibility.”