Seeking to reset debate after a week dominated by the government's backdown on Gaming Minister Joy Burch's changes to poker machine regulations, Mr Barr will announce some newly created ministries which he said would reflect the priorities of a new government.

He welcomed Ms Berry's elevation as a sign of renewal after Katy Gallagher's resignation in December. Mr Barr confirmed the reshuffle would be limited and would not see changes to key portfolios including treasury, light rail and municipal services.

Ms Berry, a West Belconnen resident and mother-of-two, was elected to the Assembly in 2012. The 46-year-old is the daughter of former deputy chief minister and speaker Wayne Berry and becomes the second woman in the current frontbench.

Former minister Chris Bourke also contested Monday's caucus ballot but Mr Barr would not say how many votes he attracted.

"Mostly my dad has said 'she'll be right and I'll see you on the news tonight'," Ms Berry said.

"It's exciting to be part of a Labor government. It really is a new government ... now is a very exciting time with fresh people and fresh ideas."

A former hospitality worker and union representative, she is aligned with the Labor left and worked as an organiser for union United Voice.

Chatting with local residents and shoppers during a visit to Kippax on Monday, Ms Berry said she would maintain strong local links and support for workers, while trying to avoid speaking like a politician as much as possible.

"The reason I got into politics in the first place was I felt people who are in those kinds of jobs which have low pay – migrant workers, shift workers, those who work multiple jobs, low income families often in public house – those are the people I felt weren't properly represented in government.

"When I decided they needed a voice and looked around for someone, people asked me why I wouldn't do it myself."

A graduate of Holt Primary, Ginninderra High and Hawker College, Ms Berry said her constituents were proud of their communities and wanted to see Canberra develop further.

She pledged to use her new ministerial responsibilities to represent the whole of the territory in government.

Describing concerns about the government's $800 million light rail line linking Gungahlin and the city as a normal reaction to large scale infrastructure planning in Canberra, Ms Berry called for a broader debate about transport and government spending.

She would not be drawn on the government's deteriorating budget bottom line, including as a result of spending on the Mr Fluffy asbestos buy-back scheme, and said the subject was a matter for Mr Barr to discuss.

"Some people are wanting us to focus on light rail as the only thing that is happening, but there are big things happening and we've still got to provide schools, great health facilities and public health."

Ms Berry said West Belconnen residents shouldn't think they were losing their local member.

"I will still be doing exactly what I was doing before. I will be doing shopping centre stalls, I will be knocking on doors and talking with people in their homes and at community meetings," she said.

Last week former Barr staffer Meegan Fitzharris was elected to fill the Legislative Assembly vacancy created by Ms Gallagher's resignation.

Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson said the Labor caucus had voted along faction lines after Ms Gallagher's departure.

"Andrew Barr didn't make this decision. The factions did," he said.

Restating his calls for Ms Burch to be dumped from cabinet, Mr Hanson said it was likely Ms Fitzharris would soon be promoted due to a lack of talent in Labor ranks.