Four Gold Coast MPs score roles in the new Morrison government’s ministries

Prime Minister Scott Morrison late yesterday revealed his cabinet that included major portfolios for Gold Coast Members, giving the Coast its strongest voice ever in Canberra. This is where we are represented.

McPherson MP Karen Andrews and Gold Coast Long Tan Bursary recipient Brooke Douglas.

THE GOLD Coast has its strongest voice in Canberra ever with four of the region’s MPs tapped on the shoulder for roles in the new Morrison government’s ministries.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison late yesterday revealed his cabinet that included portfolios and positions for McPherson’s Karen Andrews, Moncrieff’s Steven Ciobo, Fadden’s Stuart Robert and Wright’s Scott Buchholz.

But the Morrison Government’s challenge was last night laid bare by a disastrous News poll that showed Coalition support plunged to its lowest level in a decade.

The Coalition’s primary vote sat at just 33 per cent, while on a two-party preferred basis, it trailed Bill Shorten’s Labor opposition by 12 points on 44 per cent.

Mr Robert, who will take on the role of Assistant Treasurer said the Gold Coast should be over the moon with the result.

Australia's Minister for Trade Steve Ciobo meets with Poland's President Andrzej Duda at Parliament House in Canberra.

“The Gold Coast now has three Ministers for the first time on the “blue” carpet,” Mr Robert, a close colleague of the new PM, said.

“It doesn't get any more serious — the Gold Coast has an enormous voice at the table.

“Three of its MPs are in three of the top portfolios. The city should be absolutely and utterly rapt.

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“After the Commonwealth Games and now the Ministerial line-up announcement … the Gold Coast has come of age.”

Mr Roberts said the team was an example of the ability of the new PM to find the middle ground between the warring factions.

Liberal Member for Fadden Stuart Robert during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra.

“He hasn’t made a lot of changes — those who stood against Turnbull have not been punished,” he said.

Ms Andrews, who will take on the Industry, Science and Technology portfolio, said she was excited about the role after previously serving in junior positions in the same ministry.

“This is a great opportunity, as minister, for me to take that further,” she said.

The first female cabinet minister from the Gold Coast, Ms Andrews said the call from the Prime Minister had been a surprise.

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“I was delighted — as an engineer, it is an area I am passionate about and comfortable working in,” she said.

Ms Andrew said she planned to push for a stronger focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in education.

Mr Ciobo’s new role means he moves from Trade, Tourism and Investment to become the Minister for Defence Industry.

Scott Buchholz speaking after Question Time in the House of Representatives Chamber, Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

The father of two said he had put his hand up for a domestically focused role.

“I had spoken to the Prime Minister during the past couple of days,” he said.

“As you know my previous portfolio required me to be overseas every second week.

I have a two children, six and nine, at home and I have particularly felt the absences.”

“The role is an important step up and an opportunity for me to have a strong domestic focus in an incredibly important industry,” he said.

Mr Ciobo said he was eager to work with the new team and believed the turbulence of the recent infighting had passed.

McPherson MP Karen Andrews and Gold Coast Long Tan Bursary recipient Brooke Douglas.

“This is a terrific team … we obviously have come through an exceedingly difficult week.

“The city has never has this level of significant senior representation before.

This reflects the absolute ongoing commitment of the Coalition to our city.

“This is a repayment for the strong faith put in the Coalition.”

Member for Wright Scott Buchholz was made Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport.

He was unavailable for comment.