Victoria's re-elected Premier Daniel Andrews has unveiled his new front bench, with half of ministry positions going to women.
Mr Andrews introduced the new Cabinet comprising 22 MPs after a caucus meeting, but is yet to reveal the portfolios of each minister.
Northern Victorian MP Jaclyn Symes is a new addition to the leadership line-up, although she is yet to be confirmed as winning the fifth spot in her Upper House region.
She joins Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and elected Williamstown MP Melissa Horne as female MPs joining Cabinet for the first time.
Natalie Hutchins and John Eren announced they would be leaving Cabinet before Tuesday's meeting, while Small Business Minister Philip Dalidakis is also out.
Factional powerbroker Adem Somyurek, who left Cabinet in 2015 over bullying allegations, is back from the wilderness.
Premier touts 'equality of gender' in Cabinet
Mr Andrews said having an equal number of men and women in Cabinet was an historic move.
"50 per cent of the Cabinet are women, there is an equality of gender in our state's most important decision-making body," the Premier said.
Mr Andrews defended including Ms Symes in the new line-up before her election was confirmed.
"Caucus has made its decision and that's been ratified. We won't go to Government House in relation to Jac until we've got some more numbers and a greater certainty," she said.
The Premier also paid tribute to Mr Dalidakis.
"If we're going to have more men in the Cabinet, an equal number of women in the Cabinet to men, then logic tells you that a number of men could not be returned to those positions.
"I am deeply grateful to Philip Dalidakis for the work he has done," he said.
The Premier has been an outspoken advocate of gender equality, but has also railed against bullying.
The return of Mr Somyurek to the frontbench angered some in the ALP.
"To my good friend Adem Somyurek, I'm very pleased to welcome Adem back to the Cabinet and he's going to do a fantastic job," Mr Andrews said.
