Victoria's newest government minister wouldn't answer the first question about her consumer affairs, gaming and liquor regulation portfolio.
But Premier Daniel Andrews suggests Victorians have plenty to look forward to as Marlene Kairouz has "unparalleled ability".
Ms Kairouz, who was elected unopposed by caucus on Monday, had always worked hard as the member for Kororoit, the caucus whip and the cabinet secretary, Mr Andrews said.
"Her story speaks to all the promise and hope we think defines a modern Victoria," he told media on Monday.
However, when reporters asked Ms Kairouz what she thought would be the biggest challenges in her new job, she deferred the question to her boss.
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"The minister has not been quite sworn in so we'll give her an opportunity to get across some of the details in those areas," Mr Andrews said.
Ms Kairouz takes a portfolio vacated on June 11 by Jane Garrett.
Ms Garrett, who was also former emergency services minister, resigned both portfolios after refusing to back a controversial firefighters pay deal. CFA boss Lucinda Nolan, who also opposed the pay deal, resigned the same day.
Mr Andrews did not stay to comment on the controversy.
But the opposition was quick to respond.
"Daniel Andrews got rid of two senior women - not because they weren't competent but because they weren't compliant," opposition spokesperson for women, Georgie Crozier, said in a statement.
Ms Kairouz's replacement as cabinet secretary is upper house MP Gayle Tierney.
Ms Kairouz made headlines last year when she joined then small business minister Adam Somyurek in leaving the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association faction.
