Scott Morrison announces his new-look ministry

The Prime Minister has announced his new-look ministry including the first ever female agriculture minister and a new environment minister, but a few names were surprised to be left off the list.

Scott Morrison has announced his new-look ministry, including the first ever female Minister for Agriculture, Bridget McKenzie, and a new environment minister, Sussan Ley.

It’s a record number of women to be announced on the Coalition frontbench, but a few names were surprised to be left off the PM’s list.

The Prime Minister also confirmed Arthur Sinodinos is his pick to replace Joe Hockey as Australia’s ambassador to the US when Mr Hockey’s term wraps up later this year.

Speaking this afternoon, Mr Morrison announced Foreign Minister Marise Payne will remain in that role and also take on Minister for Women.

Brigadier Linda Reynolds continues as Minister for Defence, Peter Dutton remains as Home Affairs Minister and Darren Chester will remain as Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg keeps his job and Senator Bridget McKenzie will be Australia’s first female Minister for Agriculture. Picture: AAP

Sussan Ley will be Australia’s next environment minister. Picture: Hollie Adams/The Australian

Simon Birmingham remains Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.

Mr Morrison also elevated the role of Pacific and International development portfolio to ministry level. Alex Hawke, will take on that role as Minister for International Development in the Pacific, and also assistant defence minister.

Absolutely honoured to be appointed as Minister for Agriculture in the @ScottMorrisonMP government. Looking forward to working with such a fantastic industry and helping it grow to become a $100 billion sector #Agriculture #lovetheregions

— Senator Bridget McKenzie (@senbmckenzie) May 26, 2019

Linda Reynolds continues as Minister for Defence. Picture Gary Ramage

Sussan Ley takes the Minister for Environment role from Melissa Price, who will be Minister for Defence Industry. Ms Ley will be assisted by Trevor Evans.

Warren Entsch was named a special envoy for the Great Barrier Reef.

Ken Wyatt will be the first Indigenous cabinet minister.

Marise Payne will be Minister for Women and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Picture: AFP

Angus Taylor continues as Minister for Energy.

Ken Wyatt will also be the first indigenous cabinet minister in Australia’s history, taking on the role of Minister for Indigenous Australians.

“Ken will be supported by a new national indigenous Australian agency that will be set up within the Department of Prime Minister in cabinet portfolio providing a direct report to Ken in this important area of responsibility,” he said.

Josh Frydenberg will continue as Treasurer along with Senator Mathias Cormann in finance and Mr Cormann remains Special Minister of State.

Michael Sukkar will be assistant treasurer.

Incredibly honoured to be the first Aboriginal Minister for Indigenous Australians, committed to working & walking together with our Elders, families & communities to ensure the greatness of our many nations is reflected in the greatness of our Australian nation, now and forever.

— Ken Wyatt MP (@KenWyattMP) May 26, 2019

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced his new look ministry. Picture: AFP

“It will be part of his portfolio and it will be their job to keep the budget in surplus and make sure that we deliver on tax cuts.”

Paul Fletcher will be the new Minister for Communications.

Anne Ruston has been elevated to Minister for Family and Social Services, supported by Luke Howarth.

The PM also announced a new organisation called Services Australia which will be built on the human services portfolio. Stuart Robert has been appointed Minister for Government Services and will oversee the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann will keep his job. Picture: AAP

“He will be the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and he will be responsible, together with myself, to ensure that we reach that goal that we set of 500,000 Australians who will be able to the services of the National Disability Insurance Scheme over the next five years,” Mr Morrison said.

Nationals MP David Littleproud will look after Water resources, National Disasters and Emergency Management.

Alan Tudge will be Minister for Population and Richard Colbeck will oversee Aged Care, Youth and Sport.

Christian Porter remains Attorney-General and Mitch Fifield is the PM’s pick for ambassador to the United Nations. Picture: AAP

Employment will be overseen by the new Department of Employment services under Michaelia Cash. She will be assisted by Steve Irons as assistant minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships.

Christian Porter remains as Attorney-General and manager of government business in the house. He will also be Minister for Industrial Relations.

Karen Andrews continues as Minister for science and Technology and Matt Canavan continues as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia.

Health Minister Greg Hunt remains in the role, the PM praised his “outstanding job”. He said his portfolio will focus on combating suicide and mental health issues.

SINODINOS AND FIFIELD RECOMMENDED AS AMBASSADORS

Senator Arthur Sinodinos is set to replace Joe Hockey as ambassador to the US later this year. Picture Gary Ramage

The PM confirmed he would be putting forward Arthur Sinodinos to the Governor-General, to replace Joe Hockey as the next ambassador to the US.

He added Mitch Fifield would be recommended to be the next ambassador to the United Nations, leaving behind his role as communications minister.

“They will both be exceptional representatives and our countries interests abroad will be well served in that role,” Mr Morrison said.

Media Statement pic.twitter.com/1r3Mg7iCuJ

— Arthur Sinodinos AO (@A_Sinodinos) May 26, 2019

ABBOTT AND JOYCE JOBS GONE

The roles once given to Tony Abbott and Barnaby Joyce to help keep them busy after last year’s leadership spill now no longer exist.

Mr Joyce has not kept his drought envoy role, while no one has replaced Mr Abbott as envoy to Indigenous Australians.

Warren Entsch was the only person to be appointed a special envoy role by the PM — to the Great Barrier Reef.

“Warren has a passion across a whole range of issues in relation to the reef … and he has a particular passion about oceans policy and the impact of plastics on our oceans,” Mr Morrison said.

Mr Joyce claimed he wasn’t aware he was no longer needed.

Just found out from you guys then

— Barnaby Joyce (@Barnaby_Joyce) May 26, 2019

“Just found out from you guys then,” Mr Joyce tweeted.

Mr Abbott lost his safe Liberal seat of Warringah last Saturday to independent Zali Steggall.

After the tumultuous spill in August last year, Mr Morrison faced calls from media commentators to return Mr Abbott and Mr Joyce to cabinet to stop them destabilising the government.

Instead he appointed them to the envoy roles, which came with no extra money or staff.

Queensland MP David Littleproud will look after drought in his cabinet role, while Ken Wyatt will oversee Indigenous affairs.

Originally published as Scott Morrison announces his new-look ministry