Simon Birmingham sworn in as Scott Morrison’s Finance Minister
New Finance Minister Simon Birmingham says his attention has gone straight to kickstarting the post-COVID economic recovery, as he takes over from Mathias Cormann.
New Finance Minister Simon Birmingham says his attention has gone straight to kickstarting the post-COVID economic recovery, as he takes over from Mathias Cormann.
The leader of the federal Liberal moderates, Senator Birmingham was sworn in as Finance Minister and the government’s Senate leader at Government House in Canberra on Friday.
The South Australian’s ascension to the fourth most senior position in government ranks comes ahead of a wider reshuffle slated for the end of the year.
Senator Birmingham said his first task would be to work with Scott Morrison, Josh Frydenberg, and the rest of cabinet — including a new policy implementation team — to progress the government’s post-coronavirus agenda.
“The world faces the largest global economic crisis since the Great Depression,” he said.
“Creating the investment and business conditions to again drive jobs growth is the most important task ahead.
“We will only be able to restore budget finances with a strong economy and high levels of employment.
“Although post-budget confidence has grown strongly across Australia, the circumstances in parts of Europe and the United States are a constant reminder that COVID-19 creates many uncertainties. Between now and next year’s budget we will closely monitor global impacts on the recovery and build on our plan as necessary.”
Senator Birmingham will join the expenditure review committee — the cabinet’s budget razor gang — and remain Trade Minister until the later reshuffle.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and Education Minister Dan Tehan are also joining the ERC and a new policy implementation committee will be created.
Senator Cormann, the nation’s longest serving finance minister, enjoyed one last breakfast at The Lodge with Mr Morrison before he resigned from cabinet on Friday.
The West Australian Liberal powerbroker is now seeking the secretary-generalship of the OECD, and will resign from federal parliament next week.
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