Matt Canavan’s frontbench replacement revealed
Matt Canavan’s replacement has been announced following the frontbench reshuffle.
Townsville
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SENATOR Matt Canavan’s replacement has been announced following a mini cabinet reshuffle.
Hinkler MP Keith Pitt will get the portfolio of resources, water and Northern Australia.
The former electrician, university-trained engineer and cane farmer replaces Senator Canavan at the Cabinet table, who quit his portfolio on Monday night to support Barnaby Joyce’s failed bid for the party’s leadership.
Like Senator Canavan, Mr Pitt is a big believer that high-efficiency, lower-emission coal-fired power stations have a role to play in reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
“We need to consider every available technology,” the MP for the Queensland seat of Hinkler said.
With an electorate stretching from Hervey Bay to Bundaberg, Mr Pitt represents the people with the lowest average incomes in the nation.
“They can’t afford to pay any more for electricity,” he said.
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Senator Canavan’s former portfolios included responsibility for the $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, which has so far committed money to the redevelopment of the Townsville Airport, a new technology complex at James Cook University’s Townsville campus and stewardship of a multibillion-dollar resources industry that rakes in much of Australia’s wealth.
Mr Canavan has been a mainstay in Townsville and North Queensland, making regular trips to the region including to support colleagues, particularly Herbert MP Phillip Thompson, who considered him a mentor.
The portfolio of veteran affairs and defence personnel, held by Darren Chester, will be moved into the cabinet.
The Prime Minister announced the reshuffle as he talked up the relationship between the Liberals and the Nationals.
David Littleproud will pick up agriculture in addition to his current portfolios.
Who is Keith Pitt
The Hinkler MP was born in August 1969 in Bundaberg.
His seat’s major industries include sugar, small crops, rum, fishing and seafood industries, and tourism.
He was elected to the House of Representatives for Hinkler in 2013 and re-elected in 2016 and 2019.
Originally published as Matt Canavan’s frontbench replacement revealed
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