 On 16 April, before Parliament met, it was announced he would be appointed Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs and Minister assisting the Premier.In doing so on 23 April 2012, he replaced Jack Dempsey, who took the role of Minister for Police and Community Safety following David Gibson's resignation following revelations that the latter had been driving with his licence suspended.Elmes was also a member of the Integrity, Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee from 9 February 2010 until Parliament was prorogued on 19 February 2012.