The 36-year-old Jones, the youngest Minister in the Queensland Government, currently controlled by Labor, is seen as a rising star in Australian politics but was one of several key members accused of being "minister for everything".

She had combined the Commonwealth Games portfolio since February with looking after tourism, major events and small business.

One of Jones' last duties as Commonwealth Games Minister was being involved in last week's visit of the Commonwealth Games Federation Coordination Commission to check on how Gold Coast 2018 was progressing. 

Bruce Robertson, chair of the Coordination Commission, praised Australia officials and claimed "you can already feel that this is going to be a fantastic success".

One of Jones' first acts when she took over as Commonwealth Games Minister was to establish a Cabinet Committee to provide strategic direction for the delivery of the event.

It followed publication of the Queensland Audit Office's 2014 report on the progress of the Games, which found that while preparations were progressing under the previous Liberal National Party Government there was no single source of accountability or authority for the overall management.

Following a reshuffle, Jones will now be Minister for Education and Tourism and Major Events, meaning she will still play a major role in preparations for the Commonwealth Games, the biggest event to be staged in Australia since the country last hosted the event in Melbourne in 2006.

Hinchliffe, meanwhile, be Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games.

He had previously been Assistant Minister of State Assisting the Premier of Queensland.

"I could have dug my heels in and said no, but I listened," Palaszczuk said.

"People can criticise me for a whole range of things but I tell you one thing: I do take advice and I'm prepared to admit when something needs to change.

"And I think that shows leadership and courage."

Hinchliffe, 45, is a graduate of the University of Queensland and was a property industry analyst, policy manager, policy advisor and executive officer before entering politics.

He was officially sworn in today. 

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