Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced his new cabinet following Labor’s election victory, where the party secured 93 seats to form its largest caucus since federation.
Albanese said the result presented “an extraordinary opportunity for ministers, but for the entire caucus going forward” to deliver an “ambitious agenda to change this country for the better.”
Albanese added that he was deeply humbled by the trust put in his government. “And we certainly won’t take it for granted.”
Veterans Retain Key Portfolios
Richard Marles will remain Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence.Penny Wong continues as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Jim Chalmers stays on as Treasurer, and Katy Gallagher retains her responsibilities as Minister for Finance, Public Service, and Women and Government Services.
Don Farrell will continue to serve as Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Special Minister of State.
Tony Burke has been handed a slightly expanded portfolio, now overseeing Home Affairs, Immigration, Citizenship, Cyber Security, and additionally the Arts.
Mark Butler retains his Health and Aged Care responsibilities and adds Disability and the NDIS to his brief—the latter formerly held by now-resigned Bill Shorten.
Chris Bowen holds on to the Climate Change and Energy portfolio, while Catherine King remains Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government.
Jason Clare will continue as Minister for Education, Julie Collins remains Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Madeleine King continues as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia.
Clare O’Neil will continue to serve as Minister for Housing, Homelessness, and Cities.
What Are the Major Changes?
Some of the major changes including Michelle Rowland, formerly communications minister, becoming the new Attorney-General. She has replaced Mark Dreyfus.Tanya Plibersek moves from Environment to take on Social Services.
Murray Watt steps into the Environment and Water portfolio, while Malarndirri McCarthy remains the Minister for Indigenous Australians.
Anika Wells takes over as Minister for Communications and will also oversee Sport.
Pat Conroy retains his role as Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs.
Anne Aly will now be Minister for Small Business, as well as Minister for International Development and Multicultural Affairs.
Outer Ministry Additions
In the outer ministry, Matt Keogh will continue as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel.Christie McBain has been appointed Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Minister for Emergency Management.
Andrew Giles takes over as Minister for Skills and Training, Jenny McAllister will also serve as Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and Dan Merlino joins the ministry as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services.
Jess Walsh becomes Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth, while Sam Rae has been named Minister for Aged Care and Seniors.
Senior MPs Appointed to Executive
Albanese also announced a wide slate of assistant ministers and special envoys.Patrick Gorman will continue as Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and also take on responsibilities for the Public Service, and Employment and Workplace Relations.
Matt Thistlethwaite has been appointed Assistant Minister for Immigration, Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Andrew Leigh will retain his position as Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury.
Ged Kearney has been reappointed as Assistant Minister for Social Services and will also oversee Prevention of Family Violence.
Emma McBride will serve as Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and for Rural and Regional Health.
Senator Anthony Chisholm will take on the roles of Assistant Minister for Resources, Regional Development, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Josh Wilson has been named Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, as well as for Emergency Management.
Julian Hill joins the executive as Assistant Minister for Customs and Multicultural Affairs, and for International Education.
New MP Rebecca White enters the ministry as Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Indigenous Health and Women.
Andrew Charlton will serve as Cabinet Secretary and also as Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy.
Senator Nita Green will serve as Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Tourism and Pacific Island Affairs.
Special Envoys
Albanese also announced several “special envoy” appointments.Susan Templeman will continue her work as Special Envoy for the Arts, while Luke Gosling will serve as Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia.
Dan Repacholi has been appointed as Special Envoy for Men’s Health, a portfolio the prime minister said he is particularly passionate about.
Josh Burns will serve as Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness, and Marion Scrymgour becomes Special Envoy for Remote Communities.
Kate Thwaites has been named Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, a role expected to support Australia’s bid to host a future COP meeting.
Tim Watts will take on the new role of Special Envoy for the Indian Ocean.
