Anthony Albanese cabinet reshuffle announced ahead of Bill Shorten’s resignation next week
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced his frontbench reshuffle ahead of Bill Shorten’s resignation next week and with a federal election looming.
Victoria
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Anthony Albanese has unveiled his frontbench reshuffle ahead of Bill Shorten’s resignation next week.
Mr Shorten, who holds the National Disability Insurance Scheme and government services portfolios, will resign on Monday.
The Prime Minister on Thursday announced that Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will also become the new NDIS Minister.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher will take on the government services portfolio, while Dr Anne Aly will become the assistant minister for the NDIS.
Aged Care and Sport Minister Anika Wells will be promoted to cabinet.
They will be sworn in at Government House on Monday morning.
“I once again pay tribute to Bill Shorten for his decades of service and the tangible positive difference he’s made to the lives of Australians all over the country and to the NDIS,” Mr Albanese said.
“This term Bill Shorten has put people with disability back at the centre of the NDIS, as he committed to do so, and set the scheme importantly on a sustainable footing.
“Every member of the Labor` Party wish Bill well in his future career. We acknowledge his service, in particular, six years of having the honour of leading the Australian Labor Party.”
Mr Shorten welcomed the “excellent appointments” saying he knew the NDIS would remain in good hands under a Labor government.
He said his retirement on Monday would enable him to start his new role as vice chancellor and president of the University of Canberra before students commenced their academic year.
“My six terms and more than 17 years as a member of the Australian parliament have been an extraordinary experience and I leave knowing I have tried my hardest every day for the voters of Maribyrnong and indeed for every Australian,” Mr Shorten said.
“In addition, because my resignation will be within 120 days of a federal election, there will be no need for a by-election in Maribyrnong.”
Meanwhile, Ms Rishworth said the NDIS was critical for our nation and she was honoured to continue the important work of its reform.
“Minister Shorten has been a passionate and tireless advocate for people with disability – and leaves big shoes to fill,” she said.
“There are 5.5 million Australians with disability and our Albanese Labor government is committed to an inclusive Australia where all people with disability can thrive and reach their goals as equal members of the community.”
Originally published as Anthony Albanese cabinet reshuffle announced ahead of Bill Shorten’s resignation next week
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