Ten women picked for Peter Dutton’s shadow cabinet

Peter Dutton has announced his shadow cabinet following the Coalition’s election trouncing, including 10 women on the frontbench.

Women will fill 10 of the 24 spots in Peter Dutton’s shadow ministry while axed Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has been retained on the Coalition frontbench.

Mr Dutton, who was elected leader of the Liberal Party following its crushing election defeat at the hands of Anthony Albanese, announced his shadow cabinet on Sunday afternoon alongside new Nationals leader David Littleproud.

Mr Dutton had promised to promote “as many women as possible” to the frontbench and on Sunday said 10 women could sit in his shadow cabinet including deputy leader Sussan Ley who would serve as opposition industry spokeswoman.

Karen Andrews (home affairs), Jane Hume (finance), Sarah Henderson (communications), Anne Ruston (health and aged care) and Michaelia Cash (employment) will also be given key portfolios.

Peter Dutton has announced his shadow cabinet. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tracey Nearmy.

Former foreign affairs minister Marise Payne had asked not to be included in his cabinet however was persuaded by Mr Dutton to fill the role of opposition secretary.

“She has had a breadth of experience, she‘s been an exceptional contributor to our team over many years,” Mr Dutton said.

Marise Payne has asked not to be included in the shadow ministry but will serve as an opposition cabinet minister. Picture: NCA Newswire/Andrew Taylor.

Former Industry Minister Angus Taylor will serve as shadow treasurer, with Mr Dutton saying he would hold the Albanese government to account.

“The reality is we are already seeing from this government excuse after excuse after excuse, they didn‘t know the numbers, they didn’t know their economy would be difficult, they didn’t know energy would be an issue,” Mr Dutton said.

“I told the Australian people before the election that they were a party with the answers to all of these problems, but it turns out that they don‘t have the answers.”

Littleproud announced that Barnaby Joyce, who he replaced as Nationals leader following the election, would remain on the frontbench as opposition veteran’s affairs spokesman.

Former deputy PM Michael McCormack, who was removed as Nationals leader during a spill last year, will serve as opposition international development and the Pacific spokesman.

Barnaby Joyce will remain on the Coalition frontbench. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Taylor.

“That is an acknowledgment of these two men’s leadership in the National Party and one I will continue to draw on both to ensure the National Party is able to nurture the next generation in a harmonious way in making sure we are a constructive part of the Coalition,” he said.

In other significant appointments, Alan Tudge will be opposition education spokesman while Andrew Hastie will take on the defence portfolio.