Former coalition ministers have lost front positions while “new faces” have been promoted in a reshuffle of the opposition following the federal election that has included 10 women in the shadow cabinet.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton introduced his striker on Sunday afternoon, saying the Coalition has “incredible depth of talent” and that it has introduced some old backbenches for new opportunities, while some allies of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison were demoted.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced the Coalition’s new bench on Sunday afternoon, along with Deputy Leader David Littleproud. Credit: AAP
“I’m really excited and I think our team will work very hard together to hold this government accountable,” Dutton said.
“I’ve been very aware of trying to bring in some of these people to have a chance and you’ll see that we have some really impressive dates today.”
The number of women at the helm of the Coalition has risen to a total of 10. They include Jane Hume, who has been promoted to shadow finance spokeswoman, and Sarah Henderson, who is now the Coalition’s communications spokeswoman.
As expected, Angus Taylor has become a shadow treasurer and Simon Birmingham is now a foreign affairs spokesman. Former SAS officer Andrew Hastie has been promoted to Defense spokesman. Alan Tudge, who stepped down as Minister of Education in October, returns to the education portfolio.
Berowra member Julian Leeser, who has not held any ministry positions in the Morrison government, has been promoted to shadow shadow attorney general and spokesman for indigenous affairs.
Other coalition MPs who will receive front-line positions for the first time include WA Sen. Dean Smith, Townsville Rep. Phillip Thompson and Tasmanian Sen. Claire Chandler.
Linda Reynolds and Alex Hawke are among the former ministers who have been removed from the Coalition’s front desk, while former Minister of Employment Stuart Robert has been demoted to the post of shadow shadow treasurer. that former Minister of Trade and Tourism Dan Tehan has been transferred to immigration spokesman.