Simon Birmingham takes foreign affairs in newly announced shadow cabinet

The Opposition leader has announced his shadow cabinet, with 10 women taking key positions. Simon Birmingham will go head-to-head with a fellow South Australian.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a new Coalition frontbench featuring 10 women and new roles in several key positions.

The changes included the announcement of Michaelia Cash as the Opposition spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Karen Andrews for Home Affairs and Anne Ruston taking on Aged Care.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and National Party Leader David Littleproud announcing the Coalition frontbench. Picture: Richard Walker

Former finance minister Simon Birmingham has been handed the Opposition foreign affairs portfolio.

The appointment sets the stage for a political battle with state adversary and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong.

But Senator Birmingham, who relinquished the finance portfolio, has committed to maintaining a bipartisan approach on the country’s foreign policy settings.

“We should seek to engage the world with one voice where possible and, where appropriate, I look forward to constructively working with foreign minister Penny Wong,” he said.

Senator Birmingham said Australia needed to have its “eyes open to the world as it is” and be wary of “threats to Australia and the stability of our region”.

“That requires Australia to have strong security partnerships, promote a robust international rules based order, be a forceful advocate for human rights and a valued participant in international efforts to tackle climate change, COVID and the other challenges of our time,” he said.

SA Senator Anne Ruston was given the health and aged care portfolio, after prime minister Scott Morrison promised she would become health minister if the Coalition won the May federal election.

Liberal Senators Anne Ruston and Simon Birmingham. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Mr Dutton said he was “genuinely excited” to lead the new-look party which he described as “very impressive” and “experienced”.

“What you’re seeing in this line-up is some fresh faces,” Mr Dutton said.

“We have incredible depth of talent, not just on the front bench but on the backbench as well.

“I am very cognisant of trying to bring people through for an opportunity.”

The Nationals have secured six of the 24 positions, while leader David Littleproud said he looked forward to serve through until the next election and vowed to hold the Labor government to account.

Mr Littleproud said he would continue on as Shadow Agricultural Minister and be part of a “generational change”.

Barnaby Joyce will be the Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, Susan McDonald as Resources Minister and Bridgette McKenzie as the new Shadow Transport Minister.

Former National Party Leader Barnaby Joyce will be the Shadow Minister for Veteran Affairs. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Taylor

Sussan Ley was announced as the new shadow Minister for Women and as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Marise Payne the Shadow Cabinet Secretary and Bridget McKenzie as the Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure.

Sussan Ley has been announced as the Shadow Minister for Women and the Opposition Deputy Leader.

Mr Dutton said his new look frontbench appealed to all voters and that there would be “buyer’s remorse” under a Labor government.

“There will be a lot of people with buyer’s remorse by the end of this three-year period,” Mr Dutton said.

“The decisions Labor make will drive up inflation, it’s obvious already they hadn’t included spending proposals.

“Labor always spends more, which is why they tax more. It has an impact on the economy.”

Originally published as Simon Birmingham takes foreign affairs in newly announced shadow cabinet