Former coalition ministers have lost front-bench positions, while “new faces” have been promoted in a post-federal election reshuffle of the opposition that included 10 women in the shadow cabinet.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton unveiled his front bench on Sunday afternoon, saying the coalition has an “incredible depth of talent” and has brought forward a number of former backbenchers for new opportunities, while some of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s allies have been demoted.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton announced the coalition’s new front bench on Sunday afternoon, along with deputy leader David Littleproud.Credit:MONKEY
“I’m really genuinely excited and I think our team will work very closely to hold this government accountable,” said Dutton.
“I’m very aware that I was trying to put some of those people through for a chance and you’ll see we have some very impressive appointments today.”
The number of women on the Coalition’s front seats has risen to a total of 10. Among them are Jane Hume, who has been promoted to spokeswoman for shadow finance, and Sarah Henderson, who is now the Coalition’s communications spokeswoman.
As widely expected, Angus Taylor has become shadow treasurer and Simon Birmingham is now foreign affairs spokesman. Former SAS officer Andrew Hastie has been promoted to Defense spokesman. Alan Tudge, who was sidelined as education minister in October, is returning to the education portfolio.
Berowra member Julian Leeser, who did not hold any assistant minister positions in Morrison’s government, has been promoted to shadow attorney general and spokesperson for indigenous affairs.
Other Coalition MPs getting front-bench positions for the first time include WA Senator Dean Smith, Townsville MP Phillip Thompson and Tasmanian Senator Claire Chandler.
Linda Reynolds and Alex Hawke are among the former ministers who have been dumped from the coalition front bench altogether, while former employment secretary Stuart Robert has been demoted to the junior position of shadow assistant treasurer, while former Commerce and Tourism Secretary Dan Tehan has moved to immigration spokesperson.
