New Federal Ministry

Attached is the new Federal Ministry announced this morning by the PM in Newcastle.  Some key changes include:

–       Anthony Albanese, adds Broadband, to his Infrastructure and Transport portfolio;

–       Bill Shorten adds Education to his Workplace Relations portfolio;

–       Tony Burke will be the new Minister for Immigration, Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, in addition to Arts;

–       Brendan O’Connor is out of Immigration and is the new Minister for Employment, and for Skills and Training;

–       Kim Carr returns as the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (assisted by Kate Lundy);

–       Climate change goes to Mark Butler;

–       Joel Fitzgibbon returns to Cabinet as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; and

–       Richard Marles is the Minister for Trade.

Simon Crean announced his resignation from Parliament a short time ago and Greg Combet is leaving as well.

It should be an interesting few weeks with no bets taken on the election date beyond it not being September 14.

Changes to ministry