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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed there will be no major changes to the defence, defence industry and veterans’ areas of the new Australian cabinet.
Albanese confirmed the line-up while speaking at a press conference earlier this week.
He confirmed that Richard Marles will continue in the dual role of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Penny Wong will continue as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pat Conroy as Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, and Matt Keogh as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel.
“It’s an honour to continue serving in cabinet. And I’ll make every day count,” said Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery.
“As minister for defence industry, I’ll keep delivering the capabilities our defence force needs and keep backing Australian defence industry.
“And as minister for Pacific Island affairs, I’ll keep building a more peaceful and prosperous region side by side with the Pacific family.
“Together, these portfolios are at the centre of our national security.
“And I’ll keep working every day alongside Richard Marles and Penny Wong to make our country and region more secure.”
Defence commentators had previously called for a stand-alone defence minister, to focus directly on the challenges faced by the Department of Defence and Australian Defence Force – however this has been ruled out.
The entire new cabinet includes Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher, Minister for Trade Don Farrell, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Education Jason Clare, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins and Minister for Housing Clare O’Neil.
The cabinet also includes Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King, Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt, Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Communications Anika Wells, Minister for Small Business Anne Aly, Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres, Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain, Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt, Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Jenny McAllister, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth Jess Walsh, and Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae.
