Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Unveils New Cabinet Lineup

The immigration, home affairs, and agriculture portfolios saw changes.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives for a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 28, 2024. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled his new cabinet, shifting key ministers to new portfolios.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles have been shifted to new portfolios following recent controversy about the release of 151 people from indefinite detention.

Tony Burke, who represents the electorate of Watson in south-west Sydney, will take on a new super portfolio of Home Affairs, Immigration, and Multicultural Affairs.

The leader of the House will also take on the portfolios of cybersecurity and the arts.

The new ministerial lineup is the team Mr. Albanese is taking to the next election, which is expected to be held in the first half of next year.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt will be shifted into Mr. Burke’s employment and workplace relations portfolios.

Labor has also axed the Republic as a portfolio, in a clear signal that Mr. Albanese will not hold a referendum on the question of Australia’s independence from the British monarchy in his next term.

“Today, I announce changes to the Cabinet and to the Ministry, drawing on the strength and depth of the Parliamentary Labor Party,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

“I am proud to lead a talented and united cabinet government that is focussed every day on continuing to deliver better outcomes and more opportunities for all Australians.”

Mr. Albanese said his Ministry works together, listens to each other, and acts decisively with purpose.

“We are proud of what we have delivered for Australians and the progress we have made together,” he said.

“While my government’s leadership team remains unchanged, the decision three colleagues have taken to step down creates an opportunity for others to step up.”

Meanwhile, Ms. O'Neil said she is enormously proud of what she has achieved in two years in home affairs.

“We’ve undertaken massive reform in vital areas. A world leading approach to cyber security, a clear strategy for migration for the first time in Australian history, and critical work on foreign interference, to name a few,” she said. 

“I got into politics to change people’s lives for the better. Nothing is more fundamental to the health and welfare of Australians than secure, affordable housing.”

Key Changes to the Cabinet

Other changes including shifting Julie Collins to be the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry and Minister for Small Business.

Senator Murray Watt will become the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, while Ms. O’Neil will become Minister for Housing and Homelessness.

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy will be promoted to Minister for Indigenous Australians, while Pat Conroy will be elevated to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery and Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

Andrew Giles will take on Minister for Skills and Training, while Senator Jenny McAllister will be the Minister for Cities and Minister for Emergency Management.

Changes to the Assistant Ministry

At the Assistant Ministry level changes include, Senator Tim Ayres taking on Assistant Minister for a Future Made In Australia and Assistant Minister for Trade.

With the Assistant Minister for Republic role being dissolved, Matt Thistlethwaite has been moved on the Assistant Minister for Immigration.

Peter Khalil will take on Special Envoy for Social Cohesion, while Andrew Charlton will be the Special Envoy for Cyber Security and Digital Resilience.

Mr. Albanese paid tribute to retiring ministers Brendan O’Connor and Linda Burney for their “outstanding contribution to the Government” and nation.

He also paid tribute to Senator Carol Brown for her contribution as an assistant minister as she steps back from the role to prioritise her health.

The new members will be sworn on Monday, July 29.

Shuffling Deck of Chairs, Says Opposition

Commenting on the decisions, Opposition leader Peter Dutton said this is a significant reshuffle.

“The prime minister has expressed no confidence in half of his Ministry. The problem for the prime minister is that it’s his constant lack of leadership, backbone, and judgment which is now recognised by millions of Australians,” Mr. Dutton said.

“It is nothing more than shuffling of deck chairs on the sinking HMAS Albanese.”