PM to keep Downer on in London as Dutton lines up for new Homeland Security portfolio

EXCLUSIVE: THE PM has extended Alexander Downer’s term as Australia’s High Commissioner to Britain, giving himself flexibility on the timing of a cabinet reshuffle.

PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has extended Alexander Downer’s term as Australia’s High Commissioner to Britain by six months, giving himself flexibility on the timing of a crucial cabinet reshuffle.

As part of that major reshuffle, Mr Turnbull will announce a Homeland Security portfolio, which is likely to be taken by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.

Cabinet colleagues say Mr Turnbull has been dissatisfied with George Brandis’s performance as Attorney-General and has discussed announcing him as Mr Downer’s successor.

Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Alexander Downer.

Cabinet colleagues say Mr Turnbull has been dissatisfied with George Brandis’s performance as Attorney-General.

Former foreign minister Mr Downer has agreed to stay on beyond the scheduled end of his term in May, to see through the UK election campaign, but he may not stay on for the full six-month extension — or might even return sooner. The length of Mr Downer’s tenure will depend on when Mr Turnbull chooses to reshuffle his cabinet, the timing of which is fluid at the moment.

Senior government sources told The Daily Telegraph the creation of a Homeland Security super-portfolio is moving fast to beef up Australia’s counter-terrorism and domestic ­security. This portfolio is expected to go to Mr Dutton, who has performed well in immigration and has been working constructively with the Prime Minister.

Along with cost-of-living pressures, energy costs, and security and immigration, Mr Turnbull has been trying to put Australia’s tough ­approach to terrorism front and centre, and it’s an area Mr Dutton could help prosecute.

Peter Dutton is being lined up for the new Homeland Security portfolio. Picture Kym Smith

Christian Porter has been discussed as a replacement for Mr Brandis.

Cabinet sources said Foreign Minister Julie Bishop had expressed a view that Mr Brandis should not be rewarded for his lacklustre performance with the plum job of British High Commissioner.

Other ambassadorial appointments are also coming up that could be an option for Mr Brandis, including Brussels, where Dr Mark Higgie’s term is nearing completion.

Mr Brandis has repeatedly firmly denied that he intends to leave his role as Senator.

The timing of a reshuffle, and the composition of the new cabinet, is fluid.

Social Services Minister and former Western Australian Attorney-General and Treasurer Christian Porter has been discussed as a replacement for Mr Brandis, and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has been discussed as a new Senate Leader.

The new portfolio would be similar to the Home Office in the UK and Homeland Security in the US.

It would bring ­together the AFP, ASIO and Australia Border Force into one agency to allow stronger intelligence sharing to strengthen Australia’s ability to foil ­terror threats.

Mr Turnbull has said he is waiting for a review of intelligence agencies to be completed before making a decision on the Homeland Security-style portfolio. But, behind the scenes, a lot of work has been done to develop the proposal over the past year.

Senior figures being discussed to lead the Homeland Security-style Department include Immigration Department Secretary Michael Pezzullo, Australian Border Force Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg and former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas.