Scott Morrison’s new cabinet announced

The Prime Minister’s new ministry shows he’s increasingly confident in his authority, demoting some MPs while promoting allies. Here are the winners and losers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has moved to stamp his authority on Cabinet, promoting allies, sending two senior senators overseas as ambassadors, and making Ken Wyatt Australia’s first indigenous Indigenous Affairs Minister.

In a sign of growing confidence in his authority in the Coalition party room, the PM has reunited Energy and Emissions Reduction less than a year after splitting them, giving responsibility to Angus Taylor.

Ken Wyatt will be the first indigenous Indigenous Affairs Minister. Picture: Marie Nirme

Angus Taylor will take on new responsibilities. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Queenslander Stuart Robert, a close friend of Mr Morrison, enters Cabinet in charge of government services including Centrelink and the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Two others in his inner circle, Alex Hawke and Ben Morton, will be Assistant Defence Minister and Assistant Minister to the PM and Cabinet.

Senator Arthur Sinodinos, once John Howard’s chief of staff, will replace Joe Hockey as United States ambassador.

And Victorian senator Mitch Fifield will leave his role as communications minister to become Ambassador to the United Nations. He will be replaced by Paul Fletcher, and may be replaced in the Senate by Sarah Henderson, who last week narrowly lost her Victorian seat of Corangamite.

“This ministry brings together the experience of those who have been serving in roles and across the government for many years now,” the PM said.

“It brings together some new members who will bring their skills and experience, their passion and energy to the government as we set about the task of realising the aspirations for all Australians.”

Former environment minister Melissa Price has been demoted from Cabinet but will remain in the outer ministry as Defence Industry Minister.

Melissa Price has been demoted. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Victorian Alan Tudge was promoted as Urban Infrastructure and Population Minister.

Victorian Michael Sukkar, demoted over his backing of Peter Dutton for the top job last August, was brought in from the cold as Assistant Treasurer to oversee the first home loan deposit scheme.

MORE: MORRISON DEMANDS DISCIPLINE FROM MPS

THE $11B VICTORIAN BUDGET BONANZA

And the promotion of Senator Jane Hume as assistant minister for superannuation, financial services and technology gives a third economics portfolio to a Victorian.

Sussan Ley, who was forced out as health minister in 2017 after revelations she bought a Gold Coast apartment while on a work trip, returns as ­Environment Minister.

Deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie will become the first female Agriculture Minister, and fellow National David Littleproud is responsible for water resources, natural disasters and emergency management.

OUT

■ Melissa Price, WA. Dumped from Cabinet to become Defence Industry Minister

■ Mitch Fifield, Victoria. Former communications minister will be nominated as Australia’s ambassador to the United Nations

STAYING PUT

■ Josh Frydenberg, Victoria. Treasurer

■ Dan Tehan, Victoria. Education

■ Greg Hunt, Victoria. Health

■ Mathias Cormann, WA. Finance

■ Marise Payne, NSW. Foreign Affairs and Women

■ Simon Birmingham, SA. Trade and Tourism

■ Karen Andrews, QLD. Industry

■ Peter Dutton, QLD. Home Affairs

■ Matt Canavan, QLD. Resources

NEW GIGS

■ Bridget McKenzie, Victoria. Agriculture

■ Christian Porter, WA. Attorney-General and Industrial Relations

■ Paul Fletcher, NSW. Communications, Cyber Safety and Arts

■ David Littleproud, QLD. Water Resources, Drought, Natural Disasters and Emergencies and Rural Finance

■ Angus Taylor, NSW. Energy and Emissions

MINISTERIAL PROMOTIONS

■ Michael Sukkar, Victoria. Assistant Treasurer and Housing

■ Jane Hume, Victoria. Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology

■ Jason Wood, Victoria. Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety
and Multiculturalism

■ Richard Colbeck, Tasmania. Minister for Sport, Youth and Aged Care

[e-mail]