‘Zero prospects’ for Joyce in cabinet reshuffle

Barnaby Joyce has conceded he has ‘zero prospects’ of picking up a seat in Morrison’s reshuffled cabinet.

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce. Picture: Kym Smith

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has conceded he has “zero prospects” of picking up a cabinet seat and may not remain special drought envoy, as Scott Morrison prepares to announce a reshuffle as early as Sunday.

Mr Joyce was notably absent from the Nationals first partyroom meeting in Parliament House yesterday, citing family reasons ahead of the birth of his second son, but he congratulated the Coalition for its stunning election win.

“I understand exactly what a win means,” Mr Joyce told The Australian.

“Although I, like all politicians, have a desire for a portfolio, I understand there are zero prospects of it (a cabinet position).”

Several Nationals MPs had believed Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack’s leadership could be under review following the election, with Mr Joyce a likely competitor, but Mr McCormack, and his deputy, Bridget McKenzie, were yesterday re-elected un­opposed to keep their leadership roles after the Nationals retained their 14 lower house seats and was on track to pick up an unlikely Senate seat in NSW.

Meeting Mr McCormack in Canberra yesterday, the Prime Minister put the public service on notice that his government would address bureaucratic “blockage” to policy delivery by setting performance targets.

As he mulls over who he wants in his ministry for the next three years, Mr Morrison said he would set clear directions for the government in keeping the economy strong, ensuring Australia’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific, and ensuring the public service implemented government policy.

Scott Morrison meets departmental secretaries at Parliament House in Canberra yesterday. Picture: AAP

“Congestion-busting just does not need to happen on our roads and around the country. Congestion-busting needs to happen in the bureaucracy,” Mr Morrison said. “Whether it’s in the National Disability Insurance Scheme or … in hospitals and infrastructure delivery … concluding arrangements and ensuring that the funding that is provided to the states and territories, and the services that we run through Centrelink, this all needs to work seamlessly and ­efficiently.”

Liberal MPs are not expecting a major reshuffle from Mr Morrison, while the Nationals are comfortable with holding just four cabinet seats because of the new make-up of the Coalition.

The Liberals believe they should keep the key trade portfolio, arguing that it would be wrong for the Nationals to have both agriculture and trade.

Liberals who could be promoted to cabinet include Cities and Population Minister Alan Tudge, Regional Development Assistant Minister Sussan Ley and Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt, who may become the first Aboriginal indigenous affairs minister.

Speculation is mounting that Communications Minister Mitch Fifield will be demoted while there is uncertainty over the under­performing Environment Minister Melissa Price. Mr Morrison said during the election Ms Price would remain in the role.

Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds has been promised the defence portfolio.

Others mentioned for possible promotion into the outer ministry included Michael Sukkar, a key Dutton backer who was demoted after the August Liberal Party leadership spill, Victorian senator Jane Hume and Mr Morrison’s right-hand man, West Australian MP Ben Morton.