Michelle Rowland becomes Australia’s Attorney-General as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mixes up the ministry in a post-election reshuffle.
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed Australia’s Attorney-General,” said Rowland in a statement. “The foremost priority of any government is to keep Australians safe. At a time when democracy is being challenged, trust in our legal institutions and justice system has never been more important.”
Rowland replaces Mark Dreyfus who was dumped from the frontbench last week. Rowland’s previous role of Communications Minister has been filled by rising star Anika Wells.
In the shake-up, Anne Aly and Tim Ayres enter Cabinet for the first time – Aly becomes Minister for Small Business, International Development, and Multicultural Affairs; Ayers replaces Ed Husic as Minister for Industry and Innovation, and Science.
Tanya Plibersek, meanwhile, moves to social services, with Murray Watt picking up Plibersek’s environment portfolio. Watt’s role as Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations has been given to Amanda Rishworth.
Many of the government’s top ministers remain in place including Richard Marles as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Penny Wong as Foreign Affairs Minister, Tony Burke as Home Affairs Minister, and Jim Chalmers as Treasurer.
Jason Clare remains Minister for Education and Mark Butler stays Minister for Health and Aged Care – while also adding reform of the NDIS to his list of responsibilities.
In the outer ministry, Matt Keogh continues as Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel. Kristy McBain remains Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. In addition, McBain takes on the role of Minister for Emergency Management.
Andrew Giles is Minister for Skills and Training; Jenny McAllister will be the NDIS Minister. Dan Mulino enters the ministry as the Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services. Jess Walsh is Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth and Sam Rae is Minister for Aged Care and Seniors.
“I have got people who are, I think, in the best positions and that’s across the board,” Albanese told the press in Canberra on Monday.
In terms of the ministry and the Cabinet, Albanese told reporters it was the most significant representation of women ever. “And I’m very proud to have so many women in very senior roles,” he said.
The ALP Caucus is the largest in history since federation, said Albanese. “A Caucus brimming with capacity, talent and energy in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.”
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