Australian cabinet reshuffle 2025 : Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed a larger-than-anticipated cabinet reshuffle following Labor’s sweeping election victory, replacing Tanya Plibersek as environment minister and appointing a new attorney-general.
Michelle Rowland is among the key beneficiaries of the reshuffle, moving from the communications role to succeed the ousted Mark Dreyfus as attorney-general. Anne Aly has also been elevated to cabinet, taking on the roles of small business and multicultural affairs minister.
Tanya Plibersek, the former Labor deputy leader, was removed from the environment portfolio just months after her “nature positive” bill to create an Environmental Protection Agency was dropped by Albanese.
Anthony Albanese Unveils Major Cabinet Reshuffle After Labor’s Election Win
While unveiling his new cabinet, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the environment, calling it “a truly central portfolio.
It’s the only position I’ve ever personally requested in this building, and I see it as a key senior role within a Labor government,” he stated.
Tanya Plibersek will stay in cabinet, transitioning to the role of Social Services Minister, while Queensland Senator Murray Watt, previously Minister for Workplace Relations, will take over the environment portfolio.
Murray is an exceptional minister and will excel in the role,” Albanese said.
The Prime Minister also noted that Plibersek was “very supportive” of her new appointment.
Michelle Rowland Named New Attorney-General as Tanya Plibersek Exits Environment Portfolio
Anika Wells, who was elevated to cabinet prior to the election, will now oversee the communications portfolio in addition to her existing responsibilities for sport. Health Minister Mark Butler has also expanded his remit, taking on oversight of the NDIS alongside his current role.
Former Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will step into Murray Watt’s previous role as Minister for Workplace and Employment.
The official cabinet announcement follows reports late last week that senior ministers Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic — previously in charge of the science and industry portfolio — were removed from their posts amid internal shifts driven by Labor’s Right faction.
In response, Husic strongly criticized the move, calling Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles — a key figure in Victoria’s Right faction — a “factional assassin.
We’ve seen unapologetic ambition and a Deputy Prime Minister using factional power to reshape the ministry,” Husic told the ABC.
When people look at a Deputy Prime Minister, they expect a statesman — not a factional enforcer.
Today, Prime Minister Albanese told reporters he had a “constructive discussion” with Husic, explaining that his removal from the ministry was in line with Labor’s internal rules, which give factions the authority to determine ministerial appointments.
Sam Rae, one of the MPs replacing Husic and Dreyfus, will serve as the new Aged Care Minister, while NSW Senator Tim Ayres will take over the Industry and Science portfolio previously held by Husic.
Several senior ministers will remain in their current roles, including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, and Education Minister Jason Clare.
Read Also :- Andrew Hastie Stands by 2018 Comment on Women in Combat
Clare O’Neil will continue as Housing Minister, and Tony Burke will retain responsibility for Home Affairs, Immigration, the Arts, and Cybersecurity.
The new cabinet is set to be sworn in tomorrow morning.
Leave a Reply