Ley Unveils New Shadow Cabinet: O’Brien Takes Treasury, Taylor Shifted to Defence

Sussan Ley has announced the Coalition’s new shadow cabinet, pledging unity with the Nationals.

Australia's Deputy Leader of the Opposition Ted O'Brien (R) speaks at a press conference with Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on May 13, 2025. Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images

The newly restored Coalition has announced its revamped shadow cabinet lineup, with Liberal leader Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud standing united just days after a major rift threatened to derail their long-standing alliance.

Ley opened with praise for Littleproud, acknowledging his cooperation despite the Nationals’ recent split from the Liberals.

She also reaffirmed that her leadership would not have any captain’s calls.

“I have communicated with every single member of my party room about this shadow ministry,” she said.

“That style might be unconventional but it is important because I always said that I would harness the talents of my party room. Everyone has a role to play, even if they are not formally in the lineup.”

Key Economic Portfolios 

Among the most prominent appointments, Ted O’Brien will step in as shadow treasurer, while James Paterson will take on the finance portfolio.

Senator Andrew Bragg has been handed responsibility for productivity and deregulation, including housing policy.

Tim Wilson will serve as the spokesperson for industrial relations, employment, and small business.

Dave Sharma has been named shadow assistant minister overseeing competition, charities, and treasury affairs.

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Roles Finalised

In the areas of international relations and defence, former Attorney-General Michaelia Cash will become the Coalition’s new shadow foreign minister.

Angus Taylor is taking over the shadow defence ministry, while Andrew Hastie will move to home affairs.

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has been appointed to dual portfolios, covering the defence industry and defence personnel. Catherine Liddle has been selected as shadow minister for both Indigenous Australians and social services.

Jason Wood will lead on international development and Pacific engagement.

Women, Youth, and Environmental Portfolios

Several key roles have gone to women in the party.

Angie Bell will cover the environment and youth. Melissa McIntosh has been named shadow minister for women.

Anne Ruston returns with responsibilities for aged care, sport, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Melissa Price will take charge of cybersecurity and science.

Other Key Roles

The lineup also includes new assistant minister roles.

Leah Price and Zoe McKenzie join the ranks in support capacities, while Gisele Kapterian has been earmarked for communications, technology, and the digital economy—provided she secures her seat in the Bradfield recount.

Other appointments include Andrew Wallace as shadow cabinet secretary, Dan Tehan as shadow minister for energy and emissions, and Dean Smith for industry and emissions reduction.

Alex Hawke will oversee industry and innovation and will also serve as Manager of Opposition Business in the House.

In education, Jonathon Duniam will handle early learning, while Julian Leeser returns as shadow Attorney-General and minister for the arts.

Paul Scarr will manage immigration, and James McGrath takes on a newly created portfolio for urban infrastructure and cities. Phil Thompson will assist in both defence and the NDIS, and Matt O’Sullivan will support infrastructure and oversee fisheries and forestry.

Nationals Secure Regional Representation

Littleproud also confirmed his team’s appointments. Darren Chester will lead veterans’ affairs. Ross Cadell has been assigned to water, fisheries, forestry, and emergency services.

Ann Webster will take on regional development, local government, and telecommunications, while Pat Conaghan becomes shadow assistant treasurer and financial services spokesperson.

Sam Birrell has been appointed shadow assistant minister for both health and education. Jamie Chaffee will handle agriculture and resources.

Jane Hume Omitted Amid Speculation

The notable absence of Jane Hume from the shadow ministry raised questions, with Ley denying it was a punitive decision. When asked if Hume requested to step aside, Ley did not confirm, instead offering praise.

“These are tough days and having been through many days like this myself in my parliamentary career, I recognise that. … [Hume] has contributed amazingly over her political career, will continue to do so and is a strong performer across a range of different subject,” she said.

Climate Role Draws Questions

Ley was pressed on the lack of a dedicated shadow minister for climate change. She responded by highlighting substance over semantics, referencing Dan Tehan’s appointment to the energy and emissions portfolio.

“At one stage, there were so many titles on a minister that they couldn’t fit on a business card. I look at the substance of what’s going on and the policy areas and don’t get hung up on the titles,” she said.

On net-zero, Ley stopped short of confirming support for net-zero by 2050, but said, “We have to play, as a country, our part in the global response to climate change … You can’t have an energy policy that crashes our energy grid, and you have to recognise the great manufacturing base of this country—and it’s built on reliable, secure, baseload power.”