Anthony Albanese announces ‘outstanding new team’ but public isn’t convinced yet

Labor’s new leader Anthony Albanese says his shadow ministry is an ‘outstanding team’ but the public isn’t so confident after a few names left them scratching their heads. HAVE YOUR SAY

Labor leader Anthony Albanese says his new frontbench team is ‘outstanding’, but the public are yet to be convinced that he’s made the right choice.

On the weekend Mr Albanese revealed four new faces would be joining the cabinet ranks.

They include Kristina Keneally, who will serve as the deputy leader of the Senate as well as shadow minister for home affairs, and also for immigration and citizenship.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ALBO’S FRONTBENCH? COMMENT BELOW

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese will unveil his new frontbench today. Picture: Kym Smith

Kristina Keneally is the shadow minister for home affairs, and also for immigration and citizenship. Picture: Kym Smith

But News Corp readers were gobsmacked by the pick with some saying Mr Albanese has “put gender equality and factional deals before the wealth of the nation.”

Many readers who reacted to Keneally’s new role seemed to be in line with Barnaby Joyce and Peter Dutton, who questioned why she was chosen to be Labor’s spokeswoman for Home Affairs.

“She must have been rewarded for her wonderful efforts in managing Labor’s losing campaigns for the federal election and NSW state election,” reader Matthew commented.

“(Chris) Bowen probably cost them the last election and Keneally will cost them the next,” reader Mark commented.

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News Corp readers say Bill Shorten has had his time in the spotlight. He will be in charge of Labor’s NDIS portfolio under Anthony Albanese. Picture: Kym Smith

“Keneally wasn’t good enough as a Premier … Wake up Australia,” reader Istvan commented.

Another decision that left readers scratching their heads was Mr Albanese putting former leader Bill Shorten in charge of the NDIS portfolio.

“Big mistake putting Bill Shorten in the ALP shadow ministry. Anthony Albanese will be needing to watch his back,” reader John commented.

“A six year failed leader and a female who has never won a single poll get front row seats in parliament,” reader Frank commented.

“Same Titanic, different deck chairs,” reader Gary commented.

“How sad. Albo is still not listening to the millions who voted Labor out. Poor Cabinet decisions just continue Labor arrogance and hubris,” reader Mary commented.

Mr Albanese also revealed Katy Gallagher will serve as shadow minister of finance and of public service, and Terri Butler will be the new shadow minister for the environment and water.

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Penny Wong returns as shadow minister for foreign affairs but some News Corp readers can’t see her taking on the likes of Donald Trump. Picture: AAP

Madeleine King will take on the trade ministry in what Mr Albanese described as a “major promotion” which was “most deserved”.

Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles will also take on the defence role, while Penny Wong will be the shadow foreign minister.

“On what planet is Terri Butler a better choice for the front bench than Ed Husic?” reader Kris commented.

“Could imagine Penny Wong meeting President Trump — the body language would be hilarious,” reader Mike commented.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Deputy leader Richard Marles. Picture: Kym Smith

Tanya Plibersek will be the shadow education minister, Queensland young gun Jim Chalmers will be the Opposition treasurer and Chris Bowen will take on the health portfolio.

Jim Chalmers has been made Opposition Treasurer. Picture: Kym Smith

The shadow cabinet will meet in Brisbane on Tuesday, as Mr Albanese and colleagues engage in a post-election “listening tour” of the country. Victorian Labor MP for Scullin Andrew Giles, who was named in Mr Albanese’s shadow ministry, says it is too early to talk about a change of direction for the party after its unexpected election loss two weeks ago.

“Our job across the Labor team is to really take stock on how we let Labor supporters and people who depend on Labor governments down,” Mr Giles told ABC television on Saturday.

“Our challenge … is to get better at listening rather than reaching conclusions too quickly.”

“This is fantastic Scott Morrison and the Coalition will be in government for a long time,” News Corp reader Mitchel wrote of the shadow ministry picks.

“Same old line-up … too worried about quotas of men v women to put the best person for the job in the position,” reader Martin commented.

Reader Georgina disagreed, saying each were picked on merit.

“All very experienced women and eminently suited to their portfolios,” she said.

“Far more talented than the Morrison ministry, some real talent there …” reader John added.

Vocal Labor supporter Michael said it was a shame to see those he considered responsible for losing the election, were now being rewarded with top jobs.

“For God’s sake to reward those who were responsible for our lost (sic) is beggars belief,” he wrote.

Anthony Albanese announces his shadow cabinet with Bill Shorten as minister for the Disability Insurance Scheme. Picture: Getty

LABOR’S SHADOW CABINET: THE FULL LIST

Anthony Albanese: Leader

Richard Marles: Defence and deputy party leader

Penny Wong: Foreign affairs spokeswoman and leader in the Senate

Kristina Keneally: Home affairs and deputy Senate leader

Tony Burke: Industrial relations, arts, and manager of opposition business in the House of Representatives

Bill Shorten: Shadow minister for the National Insurance Disability Insurance Scheme, and government services

Tanya Plibersek: Education and training

Jim Chalmers: Shadow treasurer

Mark Butler: Energy and climate change, deputy manager of opposition business in the lower house

Chris Bowen: Shadow health minister

Catherine King: Infrastructure, transport and regional development

Joel Fitzgibbon: Agriculture and resources

Don Farrell: Shadow special minister of state, sport, tourism, and will assist Mr Albanese in his duties as Labor leader

Mark Dreyfus: Shadow attorney-general, spokesman for constitutional reform

Michelle Rowland: Communications

Katy Gallagher: Finance, public service and manager of opposition business in the Senate

Linda Burney: Families and social services, indigenous Australians

Julie Collins: Ageing and seniors, women

Brendan O’Connor: Employment and industry, science and small and family business

Jason Clare: Shadow minister for regional services, territories and local government, housing and homelessness

Amanda Rishworth: Early childhood education, youth

Terri Butler: Environment and water

Madeleine King: Trade