Abbott Ministry Reshuffle

21 December 2014:

Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced a reshuffle of his Ministry in the lead-up to Christmas in an effort to “refresh and reset the Government” and set the course of its political agenda for the year ahead, focusing on jobs and families. The changes were prompted by the resignation from the frontbench of Assistant Treasurer Arthur Sinodinis, who continues to await the outcome of a NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry related to business activities that pre-date his time in Parliament.

The most notable changes included the appointment of a new Defence Minister, Kevin Andrews, elevation of a second woman to Cabinet – Sussan Ley – into the Health portfolio, and transfer of Scott Morrison into an expanded Social Services portfolio encompassing welfare, family support, seniors, aged care, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and childcare. Former Health Minister Peter Dutton, moved to the Immigration portfolio, and former Defence Minister David Johnston, was dropped from the frontbench after struggling to retain the confidence of Cabinet.

Josh Frydenberg and Simon Birmingham were promoted to the Ministry as Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Education Minister respectively. Newcomers to the Parliamentary Secretary ranks are Kelly O’Dwyer, Christian Porter and Karen Andrews.

The complete Abbott Ministry can be seen here.

 

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