Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has unveiled his new shadow ministry, almost a week after being elected unopposed as the new Liberal leader.
Mr Dutton says there are 10 women in his shadow cabinet, made up of 24 members.
“What you’re seeing in this line-up is some fresh faces,” Mr Dutton said.
“We have incredible depth of talent – not just on the frontbench, but on the backbench as well.
“I’m cognisant of trying to bring people through for an opportunity.”
Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley will take on the shadow industry portfolio, as well as becoming the Opposition’s spokesperson for women.
Former energy minister Angus Taylor will hold the shadow treasury portfolio, while former cabinet minister Alan Tudge will be shadow education minister.
Mr Tudge had served as education minister under former prime minister Scott Morrison, before stepping aside pending the outcome of an investigation into his conduct during an affair with a staffer.
West Australian Liberal Andrew Hastie, a former SAS captain, becomes the shadow defence minister.
Littleproud trumpets ‘renewal and generational change’
The Nationals have secured six shadow cabinet positions as the junior Coalition partner, with Nationals leader David Littleproud staying in the agriculture portfolio and his deputy Perin Davey serving as shadow minister for water.
Former leaders Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack remain on the frontbench – Mr Joyce holding the Shadow Veterans’ Affairs portfolio and Mr McCormack as the opposition’s spokesperson for international development and the Pacific.
“The shadow ministry team that I bring forward for the National Party is about renewal and generational change,” Mr Littleproud said.
“It’s about making sure we draw on those that have the experience to bring the harmony and peace within our party room, and bring the next generation through.”
The Nationals leader was crowing about the party taking back responsibilities for trade – an area it has long coveted – with Lismore-based MP Kevin Hogan becoming the opposition’s spokesman in that area.
Former foreign minister Marise Payne had asked Mr Dutton not to be a member of shadow cabinet, but he says he has convinced her to hold the role of shadow cabinet secretary.
New South Wales Liberal MP Julian Leeser becomes the shadow attorney-general, while Victorian senator Sarah Henderson is shadow communications minister.
Former attorney-general Michaelia Cash moves into the employment and industrial relations space, while South Australian Anne Ruston takes on health and aged care.
Senator Ruston had been Scott Morrison’s pick for health minister, had the Coalition won the election on 21 May.
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