Josh Frydenberg, cabinet step up for “family photo” opportunity

It was pretty much like most family photos: A touch awkward, a jostle for the front row, a few sledges, and a familiar face missing.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s new cabinet ministers pose for the traditional; “family photo” after being sworn into office at Government House. Picture: Gary Ramage

When Peter Dutton backer Steven Ciobo arrived at Government House to be sworn-in as Defence Industry Minister, he spoke for all his colleagues when he said: “I’m glad last week’s behind us.”

Scott Morrison was in charge as his new look ministry assembled for their family photo on the steps of Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove’s home, taking AFL team tips from his Victorian colleagues and telling smiling Western Australian MPs to declare “GST”.

Energy Minister Angus Taylor, who also voted for Home Affairs Minister Mr Dutton in last week’s leadership spills, was singled out by the Prime Minister for his own photo.

“Electricity prices are going to go down, down, down,” Mr Morrison roared, adding a downward pointing finger for good measure.

An Australian flag pin was awaiting each member of Mr Morrison’s team as they made an oath of office and the new frontbenchers pledged loyalty to the federal executive council.

The Prime Minister has worn his Australian flag since he was immigration minister in the Abbott government.

Scott Morrison’s new ministry poses for the family photo, and the Treasurer @JoshFrydenberg is forced up a step #auspol @australian pic.twitter.com/QGPDdVcbG7

— Rosie Lewis (@rosieslewis) August 28, 2018

Confusion reigns as Frydenberg is told to get in the front row alongside Bridget McKenzie ...

... then retreats ...

.. then jokingly jostles his way forward again. Pictures: Rosie Lewis

Stuart Robert, a numbers man for Mr Morrison in Friday’s leadership ballot, almost forgot his pin after being sworn-in as assistant treasurer.

“Don’t forget your pin, Stu,” his boss reminded him from the podium.

Liberal MP and new assistant minister for treasury and finance Scott Buchholz chimed in: “You had one job, one job.”

Deputy Liberal leader and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg clearly enjoyed the occasion as ministers and assistant ministers kissed him on the cheek or shook his hand after being sworn-in by Sir Peter.

Mr Frydenberg was forced out of the front row when Sir Peter and Mr Morrison took their places for the photo, with no room left next to his cabinet colleagues.

His daughter Gemma, one of the younger family members assembled at Government House, also shared in moments of excitement.

When Kelly O’Dwyer was sworn-in as Minister for Jobs, Industrial Relations and Women, Gemma cried out: “Yaaaaaay.”

There was one Liberal woman whose absence was obvious as Mr Morrison posed for a photo with his female colleagues — that of former foreign minister Julie Bishop.

Instead Ms Bishop, who usually takes charge of the family photos and makes sure the babies and children make an appearance, was packing up her ministerial office around the corner at Parliament House.