Local MPs Pat Conroy and Dan Repacholi have earned positions in Anthony Albanese’s senior cabinet after Labor’s landslide win.
The Shortland member retained the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery and Minister for International Development and the Pacific portfolios.
Mr Repacholi, who prevailed in the seat of Hunter again, was appointed as the Special Envoy for Men’s Health in the new Parliament.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
“This role is a chance to shine a national spotlight on the unique health challenges facing Australian men and boys, from mental health and suicide prevention to chronic illness and access to healthcare services.
“Having spent much of my life representing Australia and working in regional communities, I know first-hand how important it is to engage males early, support them consistently, and build a health system that works for everyone.
“We need real conversations, real resources and real results.”
Meanwhile, Mr Albanese dumped Tanya Plibersek from her role as environment minister.
But, he promoted close ally Tim Ayres to cabinet and elevated Anne Aly from the outer ministry.
Ms Plibersek, who has a frosty relationship with the PM despite being one of Labor’s most senior women, has been shifted to social services.
Michelle Rowland becomes the Attorney-General after Mark Dreyfus was knifed by his right faction in a power play by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
Murray Watt takes over as environment minister, with Amanda Rishworth assuming the employment and workplace relations portfolio.
“Murray is an outstanding performer as a minister. I regard the environment as a really central portfolio,” Mr Albanese said.
He also retained his frontline team of Mr Marles (Defence), Jim Chalmers (Treasurer), Katy Gallagher (Finance), Penny Wong (Foreign Affairs) and Don Farrell (Trade Minister).
Other ministers keeping their roles include Malarndirri McCarthy (Indigenous Australians), Tony Burke (Home Affairs), Mark Butler (Health), Chris Bowen (Energy), Jason Clare (Education), Clare O’Neil (Housing), Madeleine King (Resources), Catherine King (Infrastructure) and Julie Collins (Agriculture).
Anika Wells takes on the communications portfolio alongside sport, meaning she will take carriage of the contentious gambling advertising restriction policy Labor shelved before the election.
Dr Aly’s promotion reflects a greater focus on WA after the state helped deliver the Labor government for the second consecutive federal election.
She is the sole Muslim MP in the senior leadership team after Ed Husic also fell victim to internal warfare, branding Mr Marles a “factional assassin” on the way out.
Senator Ayres took Mr Husic’s Science and Industry portfolios, while Jess Walsh (Early Childhood Education), Daniel Mulino (Assistant Treasurer) and Sam Rae (Aged Care and Seniors) also entered the 30-person ministry, which will be sworn in at Government House on Tuesday 13 May.
- With AAP
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