Who’s who: The 14 Turnbull ministers who have vanished
THIRTEEN Turnbull Government ministers resigned this week, from the high profile and influential names who played pivotal roles in Turnbull’s decision-making, to lesser known politicians. And Barnaby Joyce is also on the backbench. Here’s a guide to who’s now missing from the picture.
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THIRTEEN Turnbull Government ministers have resigned this week, from high profile and influential names who played pivotal roles in Turnbull’s decision-making to lesser known politicians.
With Barnaby Joyce already having resigned to the backbench after having a baby with a staffer, Turnbull’s Cabinet has been decimated.
Here’s a guide to those who are now missing from the picture.
1. Mitch Fifield
The Communications Minister announced his resignation today, beside Senators Cormann and Cash.
2. Michael Keenan
Human Services Minister Michael Keenan offered his resignation earlier this week, but later issued statement of support for Malcolm Turnbull. He resigned again with a “heavy heart” today.
3. Angus Taylor
Cybersecurity Minister Angus Taylor quit today citing concerns about the direction of the Turnbull Government.
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4. Mathias Cormann
Finance Minister and conservative heavyweight Mathias Cormann tendered his resignation this morning, effectively ending Mr Turnbull’s prime ministership.
5. Steve Ciobo
Trade Minister Steve Ciobo offered his resignation earlier this week but it wasn’t accepted by Malcolm Turnbull. He later issued a call for unity to defeat Labor at the next election. His resignation was confirmed today.
6. Barnaby Joyce
Former Nationals leader and deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce was today objecting to the removal of a sitting Prime Minister, but is already on the backbench, having resigned earlier this year after having a baby with a staffer.
7. Greg Hunt
Health Minister Greg Hunt announced he had tendered his resignation to the prime minister this morning. There is speculation he will run as Mr Dutton’s deputy in a leadership spill.
8. Michaelia Cash
Jobs Minister Michaelia Cash announced her resignation from the frontbench and withdrawal of her support for Malcolm Turnbull this morning, along with Senator Cormann.
9. Peter Dutton
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton resigned from the frontbench after challenging Mr Turnbull to the leadership on Tuesday and losing. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urged his challenger to stay on, but ultimately accepted his resignation.
10. Alan Tudge
Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge resigned today, saying he could no longer support Malcolm Turnbull.
11. Concetta Fierravanti-Wells
International Development Minister Concetta Fierravanti-Wells resigned on Tuesday and it was accepted by Malcolm Turnbull. She believes the party has moved too far away from conservative voters.
NOT PICTURED
James McGrath
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister James McGrath’s resignation was not initially accepted by Mr Turnbull, but he insisted and stepped down yesterday.
Michael Sukkar
Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar tendered his resignation on Tuesday but it was not accepted. It was confirmed today.
Zed Seselja
Assistant Science, Jobs and Innovation Minister Zed Seselja resigned today.
A BUSY WEEK IN POLITICS
THURS: Mr Dutton says he will quit Cabinet if he can’t agree with government policy.
FRI: Mr Turnbull weighs up significant changes to the National Energy Guarantee.
SAT: Mr Dutton tweets his support for PM and government policies.
MON: Mr Turnbull drops 26 per cent emissions target from NEG legislation and says Dutton has given him “absolute support”.
TUES: Turnbull calls a spill and is challenged by Mr Dutton, who loses 48-35. Mr Dutton resigns from Cabinet.
WED: Mr Dutton launches media campaign and refuses to rule out second challenge.
THURS: Mr Dutton says he has support to become PM and demands a second challenge. Mr Turnbull says he will resign if presented with enough signatures and hold a spill at noon tomorrow. Mr Morrison is expected to stand if Mr Turnbull resigns.