WILL Hodgman was sworn in as Tasmania’s first Liberal Premier in 16 years and the state’s 45th leader at a ceremony at Government House yesterday.

Watched by about 80 guests, including proud family and friends, the ceremony took place in the ballroom and saw nine ministers sworn in.

A jubilant Mr Hodgman walked into the ballroom flanked by his wife and three young children.

He was also sworn in as the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Aboriginal Affairs.

Missing from the audience were Mr Hodgman’s late parents, his recently departed father, the larger than life former state and federal MP Michael Hodgman, was a presence sadly missed.

Vanessa Goodwin’s mother, Edith Langham, watched on with emotion, although her husband, Vanessa’s father Grant Goodwin, had passed away just weeks before the election.

media_camera Governor Peter Underwood, centre, with the new Liberal Cabinet, from left, Rene Hidding, Paul Harriss, Will Hodgman, Matthew Groom, Michael Ferguson, Jacquie Petrusma, Jeremy Rockliff, Peter Gutwein and Vanessa Goodwin.

Sworn-in immediately after Mr Hodgman was the Deputy Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, also Minister for Education and Training, Primary Industries and Water, and Racing.

Mr Rockliff said he was honoured and excited to be taking on the role of education minister and looked forward to the challenges ahead.

He said a major platform and focus was increasing high schools to Year 12.

“It will be a focus of mine. We are committed to implementing this policy,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We are confident we can extend 21 high schools within the first four years at a cost of $45 million, so it is a significant investment.”

The new ministers met the Governor, Peter Underwood, for a short executive council meeting before posing for a cabinet photo on the steps of Government House.