Invest
PM reshuffles cabinet to raise the role of women
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a new cabinet as part of a reshuffle aimed at resetting the gender debate that has ensued as a result of a string of recent scandals.
PM reshuffles cabinet to raise the role of women
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a new cabinet as part of a reshuffle aimed at resetting the gender debate that has ensued as a result of a string of recent scandals.
Scott Morrison announced Marise Payne’s appointment as the “prime minister for women” in a brief blunder on Monday, with the senior Liberal actually set to take up the position of Minister for Women on top of her existing role as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Ms Payne will also lead a new taskforce with the primary responsibility to draw together “the many different women who have been given ministerial responsibilities”, Mr Morrison told the media on Monday.
“What I’m simply saying is I’ve given Marise a leadership responsibility among the women in our cabinet and across our ministry to pull it all together in the same way that I do across all areas of the government. So, I think, to be fair, that characterisation I don’t think reflects what I was saying,” Mr Morrison said in defence of the prime ministerial title he briefly gave Ms Payne.
On her agenda, he clarified, will be key issues involving women’s equality, women’s safety, women’s economic security, women’s health and wellbeing.
“This taskforce will be co-chaired by Minister Payne and I. It will comprise all female members of my ministry, and there is quite a number. It will also be joined by the portfolio ministers from what is known as the Central Agency – the Treasurer, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Finance,” Mr Morrison said.
Further changes to Morrison’s cabinet include the appointment of Michaelia Cash as the next Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, following Christian Porter’s decision to launch a defamation action against the ABC.
The PM also announced the creation of a new portfolio called Minister for Women’s Safety, with Anne Ruston, who’s also the Social Services Minister, set to take lead.
Ms Ruston is also joining the leadership team in the government, which consists of the 10 most-senior ministers who meet on a regular basis.
In other changes, Mr Morrison has also elevated Karen Andrews to the Home Affairs office, as Peter Dutton takes on the role of Defence Minister.
Moreover, Linda Reynolds will remain in cabinet and will take on the portfolio of Government Services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, while Melissa Price will be returning to cabinet while staying in her Defence Industry portfolio.
“Those five ministers will join, of course, Minister Payne and Minister Ley, who will continue on in their roles as Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women and Sussan Ley as Minister for the Environment. And as you know, Minister Ley also has the House duty responsibilities for Minister for Women,” the PM said.
“Jane Hume will take on the additional portfolio in the outer Ministry of Women’s Economic Security, and Amanda Stoker will take on the additional role of, she’s currently Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General, she will add to that Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industrial Relations, as well as Assistant Minister to the Minister for Women.
“Minister Payne will effectively become the leader of that group of women,” he reiterated.
The full federal government cabinet reshuffle is as follows:
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Economy
Inflation concerns grow as consumer price index rises, prompting potential interest rate hikes
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data has sparked fresh concerns about inflation in Australia, with experts suggesting that further interest rate hikes may be on the horizon. The CPI, a key ...Read more
Economy
State Street economist comments on latest labour force data amid market anticipation
The latest labour force data, released today, has prompted a measured response from financial experts, with insights provided by Krishna Bhimavarapu, APAC Economist at State Street Investment ...Read more
Economy
RBA's interest rate hike impacts Australian employment landscape
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to increase interest rates by 25 basis points, raising the cash rate to 3.85%. This move, aimed at controlling inflation, has elicited responses from ...Read more
Economy
RBA’s latest rate hike sparks debate over economic impact
In a surprising move, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate, signalling a significant shift in its monetary policy approach. This decision comes amid a backdrop of unexpected ...Read more
Economy
When inflation reopens the rate door: A broker-sector case study in defending margins, clients and share
Australia’s latest trimmed-mean inflation reading at 3.3% has revived the prospect of another Reserve Bank move and put lenders, brokers and borrowers back on a tightening footing. This case study ...Read more
Economy
Inflation rise dampens hopes for interest rate cuts as employment dynamics shift
In a development that has dashed hopes for an interest rate cut, Australia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) has surged back to 3.8%, erasing the progress made since October. This unexpected rise in ...Read more
Economy
Inflation surge poses challenges for small businesses and consumers
The latest inflation figures have sparked concern among Australian businesses and consumers alike, with the rising costs expected to influence the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) upcoming interest ...Read more
Economy
Australia’s spending surprise raises the odds of a February rate move — here’s how to protect margin and momentum
Household outlays are running hotter than economists expected, with the latest ABS readings showing broad-based gains across services and goods. That resilience is exactly the kind of demand impulse ...Read more
Economy
Inflation concerns grow as consumer price index rises, prompting potential interest rate hikes
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data has sparked fresh concerns about inflation in Australia, with experts suggesting that further interest rate hikes may be on the horizon. The CPI, a key ...Read more
Economy
State Street economist comments on latest labour force data amid market anticipation
The latest labour force data, released today, has prompted a measured response from financial experts, with insights provided by Krishna Bhimavarapu, APAC Economist at State Street Investment ...Read more
Economy
RBA's interest rate hike impacts Australian employment landscape
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to increase interest rates by 25 basis points, raising the cash rate to 3.85%. This move, aimed at controlling inflation, has elicited responses from ...Read more
Economy
RBA’s latest rate hike sparks debate over economic impact
In a surprising move, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate, signalling a significant shift in its monetary policy approach. This decision comes amid a backdrop of unexpected ...Read more
Economy
When inflation reopens the rate door: A broker-sector case study in defending margins, clients and share
Australia’s latest trimmed-mean inflation reading at 3.3% has revived the prospect of another Reserve Bank move and put lenders, brokers and borrowers back on a tightening footing. This case study ...Read more
Economy
Inflation rise dampens hopes for interest rate cuts as employment dynamics shift
In a development that has dashed hopes for an interest rate cut, Australia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) has surged back to 3.8%, erasing the progress made since October. This unexpected rise in ...Read more
Economy
Inflation surge poses challenges for small businesses and consumers
The latest inflation figures have sparked concern among Australian businesses and consumers alike, with the rising costs expected to influence the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) upcoming interest ...Read more
Economy
Australia’s spending surprise raises the odds of a February rate move — here’s how to protect margin and momentum
Household outlays are running hotter than economists expected, with the latest ABS readings showing broad-based gains across services and goods. That resilience is exactly the kind of demand impulse ...Read more
