[ASIA]
CANBERRA – Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese retained Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Foreign Minister Penny Wong in their portfolios as he unveiled changes to his line-up just over a week after decisively winning an election.
Mr Albanese, unveiling his ministers on May 12, kept his core economic and diplomatic team intact from his first term, with Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Trade Minister Don Farrell retaining their roles as key support to Mr Chalmers and Ms Wong.
Mr Richard Marles, the deputy prime minister and defence minister, also retains his portfolio.
However, there have been some changes following resignations and factional infighting in the wake of Mr Albanese’s sweeping victory.
Former leadership rival Tanya Plibersek will move into the social services ministry with Mr Murray Watt replacing her as environment minister.
Ms Michelle Rowland will become the new Attorney-General and Mr Tim Ayres the new industry minister, replacing Mr Mark Dreyfus and Mr Ed Husic, respectively, who were dumped from the ministry.
In the election on May 3, Mr Albanese became the first Australian Prime Minister since 2004 to win consecutive elections, a sign that the nation’s long-running political turbulence may be easing.
Under the Australian Labor Party’s rules, factions select candidates to serve in the government and the leader allocates their portfolios.
“We have the largest ALP Caucus in history since federation,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra as he announced the ministry. “A Caucus brimming with capacity, talent and energy”.
With counting still under way, Labor is currently leading in 93 out of 150 seats in the Lower House of Parliament, its largest majority since World War II and one of the biggest wins in the country’s modern history.
“It is an extraordinary opportunity for ministers, but for the entire Caucus going forward to put in place the agenda that we put forward positively to the Australian people and an ambitious agenda to change this country for the better,” Mr Albanese said.
In comparison, the centre-right Liberal-National Coalition is leading in around 40 seats, its worst result in decades, sparking a contest to lead and rebuild the opposition between deputy leader Sussan Ley and treasury spokesman Angus Taylor.
The size of Mr Albanese’s win will give him a mandate to potentially tackle challenging economic reforms like the tax system, as well as cementing his policy to boost uptake of renewable energy across the country.
It will also strengthen the Australian Prime Minister’s hand in talks with US President Donald Trump over tariffs, which are expected to take place in the period ahead.
Other key roles in Mr Albanese’s newly formed Cabinet include Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and Minister for Resources Madeleine King, who have held onto their portfolios.
The National Disability Scheme is being folded into the health ministry portfolio overseen by Mr Mark Butler. BLOOMBERG
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[NEWS]
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