True to his word, Malcolm Turnbull has made room for more women in his Ministry’s reshuffle with the number now rising to five.
In a monumental change, Senator Marise Payne becomes the first woman to hold the Minister for Defence role in Australia’s history.
Kelly O’Dwyer will be appointed Minister for Small Business and becomes Assistant Treasurer.
The Minister for Women is now a woman, with Senator MichaeliaCash taking over from previous Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Speaking at length about change and progress, Turnbull also announced that Ken Wyatt will become the first Indigenous MP to be appointed to the Federal Executive council, as Assistant Health Minister.
Opposition Minister Bill Shorten said he was pleased more women were promoted and that science would be a focus again, but was “disappointed and surprised that no Minister for Disability or Housing” was announced as they were important portfolios.
Joe Hockey has resigned with Turnbull refusing to be drawn on whether he offered the ex-Treasurer a new role. Eric Abetz tendered their resignation this morning, while Kevin Andrews also spoke of disappointment with the changes in his party and will not be returning.
For our future, competitiveness every aspect of Government needs to work together for our cities to progress.”
In a pointed attack on his predecessor’s infamous lack of progressive thinking, Turnbull stated that his Ministry would be “ A ministry that is ready to engage the future.”
“We are living in the 21st century, defined by science – the pace of change is remarkable. We will be a Government for the future,” he said.
