Victorian MPs set for promotions as Anthony Albanese unveils frontbench shake-up

Several Victorians have scored big under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s revamped cabinet, taking on some crucial portfolios as Labor prepares for its next term.

Anthony Albanese has unveiled his new frontbench with several Victorians receiving promotions in the shake-up.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, who was controversially dumped for Hawke MP Sam Rae, will be replaced by former communications minister Michelle Rowland.

Mr Rae, a second-term MP who is being catapulted into the outer ministry, will become the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors.

His Victorian colleague Fraser MP Daniel Mulino will also be promoted, becoming the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services.

Fraser MP Daniel Mulino is set to be promoted to Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services. Picture: supplied

The Prime Minister said Mr Mulino was “terrific” and would do a “very good job” joining Labor’s strong economics team.

“He is very well qualified for the job. He’s someone who was very pleased to get that job,” Mr Albanese said.

“He’s got a PhD in Economics from Yale. That’s kind of handy.”

Victorian Senator Jess Walsh will become the Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth.

Macnamara MP Josh Burns will take on the new role as Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness.

Macnamara MP Josh Burns will take on the new role as Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness as part of Anthony Albanese’s cabinet. Picture: NewsWire

Mr Albanese defended the decision to scrap the Special Envoy for Social Cohesion role,

previously held by Wills MP Peter Khalil, who will become the Assistant Minister for Defence.

“We will continue to work as a whole government on social cohesion. Peter Khalil had that role and performed it well,” he said.

Jagajaga MP Kate Thwaites - who was previously the Assistant Minister for Social Security - will become the new Special Envoy for Climate Change, Adaptation and Resilience, which Mr Albanese said would play an important role if Australia is successful in its bid to host a COP meeting next year.

Gellibrand MP Tim Watts will also become the Special Envoy for the Indian Ocean.

Labor MP Peter Khalil will become the Assistant Minister for Defence. Picture: Ian Currie

Cooper MP Ged Kearney, who was previously the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, will become the Assistant Minister for Social Services and Prevention of Family Violence.

While Bruce MP Julian Hill will add international education to his responsibilities as the Assistant Minister for Customs and Multicultural Affairs.

Clare O’Neil, who holds the housing portfolio, will also become the Minister for Cities.

Richard Marles will remain as Deputy Prime Minister and defence minister, while Catherine King will hold onto the infrastructure portfolio, and Andrew Giles the skills and training portfolios.

Originally published as Victorian MPs set for promotions as Anthony Albanese unveils frontbench shake-up