Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is defending elevating into his second-term cabinet an MP once accused of bullying a female staffer.
The promotion of Labor power broker Adem Somyurek into the ministry comes after Mr Andrews repeatedly attacked the Greens over its culture when it was revealed one candidate used to rap derogatory things about women and another had a rape allegation levelled at him.
Mr Somyurek in 2015 was dumped from cabinet over allegations of bullying made by his then chief of staff Dimity Paul, which he always maintained were part of a factional stitch-up.
But Mr Andrews insists Mr Somyurek is a changed man, when asked how the situation is different to the Greens.
"Adem Somyurek lost his job, I think that's a pretty significant calling out and a pretty significant price to be paid," Mr Andrews told reporters on Wednesday.
"I think he is a better man than he has ever been and I think that's a significant thing. If I wasn't confident of that, then he wouldn't be back."
For the first time in Victoria's history, the cabinet will be evenly split between men and women.
MPs Jaclyn Symes, Gabrielle Williams and first-time MP Melissa Horne have also been added to the line-up.
John Eren, Natalie Hutchins and Philip Dalidakis stood aside.
Mr Dalidakis, who became a minister to fill Mr Somyurek's spot in 2015, will now chair the public accounts and estimates committee.
Former emergency services minister Jane Garrett has also been offered a parliamentary secretary role.
Mr Andrews is anticipating naming ministerial portfolios on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning.
However they will not be sworn in at government house until all MPs are certain they have been elected to the house.
Ms Symes in particular is waiting on confirmation of her election to the upper house.
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