Albanese government mints new gender representation record in revamped cabinet

Women now make up nearly half of Anthony Albanese’s line-up of senior ministers, following the departure of long-time minister Bill Shorten.

Anthony Albanese’s new cabinet has broken records, with women holding nearly half for senior positions in the government.

Four ministers were sworn into their new roles on Monday following the retirement from politics of former NDIS minister Bill Shorten.

Now 11 of the 23 ministers in the Albanese cabinet are women, with female representation at the highest in Australian history. Another 14 women are in the wider 29-person ministry.

Anne Aly, Amanda Rishworth, Katy Gallagher and Anika Wells were sworn into their new roles at Government House on Monday. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was greeted by Governor-General Sam Mostyn. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth was officially sworn in as the NDIS Minister, while Early Childhood Minister Anne Aly was sworn in as the Assistant Minister for the NDIS, a newly created role.

High-profile minister Katy Gallagher has absorbed Mr Shorten’s government services portfolio, which she holds now in addition to her responsibilities for women, finance and the public service

As part of the changes, Sport and Aged Care Minister Anika Wells was promoted to cabinet.

Amanda Rishworth was sworn into to Mr Shorten’s former portfolio of the NDIS. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

The shake-up followed the resignation of Mr Shorten, who will become the vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra in February.

Following Monday’s ceremony, Mr Shorten officially tendered his resignation as the member for Maribyrnong to Speaker Milton Dick, alongside the Nationals MP for Hinkler Keith Pitt.

Bill Shorten also officially tended his resignation as the member for Maribyrnong. Picture: Instagram

Reflecting on his career move, he was he was “looking forward to helping contribute to make Australia a clever country”.

“I anticipate that I now going to speak on behalf of the students and the staff of the University of Canberra,” he said.

“I wish the very best to the government and to the people of Australia. My job now is to be a voice and a champion for the students, the staff, the researchers and the community of Canberra.”

Following the resignation of Mr Shorten and Mr Pitt, Mr Dick said he would consider the possibility of holding a by-election in the seats of Maribyrnong and Hinkler.

But, he said he was “mindful” of the general election which will need to be held by May 17.

In a statement, Mr Dick said an announcement would be made “in due course”.

Originally published as Albanese government mints new gender representation record in revamped cabinet