Meanwhile, Labor beds down its latest lineup

Labor’s reshuffle is confirmed new portfolios for Linda Burney, Ed Husic, Terri Butler, Jenny McAllister and Louise Pratt.

Linda Burney will take on families and social services on a permanent basis. Picture: AAP

Labor’s minor reshuffle was confirmed yesterday with Linda Burney, Ed Husic, Terri Butler, Jenny McAllister and Louise Pratt gaining new portfolio positions.

In July, veteran Labor frontbencher Jenny Macklin announced her retirement after 22 years in federal politics, sparking the changes.

Left-aligned Ms Burney, who has already taken on some of Ms Macklin’s responsibilities, will take on families and social services on a permanent basis.

“This portfolio is vital to our policy agenda and central to our party’s values,” Labor leader Bill Shorten said. “I know Linda will prove a worthy successor to Jenny Macklin.”

Ms Burney was a star recruit to the federal parliament after serving as a minister in the previous NSW Labor government. In 2016, she became the first Aboriginal woman to enter the House of Representatives, representing the Sydney electorate of Barton.

She has experienced a painful year in her personal life, following the death of her 33-year-old son Binni in October. Ms Burney subsequently spoke of him during an emotional address to parliament when she was declaring her support for same-sex marriage.

Earlier this year, Ms Burney came under attack from the government after her office released a rewritten transcript about offshore detention.

Mr Husic, from the Right of the party, will take on human services in addition to his responsibility for the digital economy.

Ms Butler will gain employment services, workforce participation and the future of work in addition to her youth affairs brief.

Senator McAllister, from the NSW Left, and Senator Pratt, backed by the Left in Western Australia, will become assistant shadow ministers. Senator McAllister is assistant spokeswoman for families and communities. Senator Pratt is assistant spokeswoman for universities.