The government has announced that Defence Minister Linda Reynolds will take a period of leave following medical advice, and has appointed an interim replacement to assume her responsibilities in her absence.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, the federal government announced that the Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds would take a period of medical leave in response to advice from her cardiologist relating to a pre-existing medical condition.
Minister Reynolds has also been admitted to a Canberra Hospital as a precautionary measure.
In her absence, Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne will assume responsibilities for the Defence portfolio.
