Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, following the announcement of retirement plans by two senior ministers at the next election. This reshuffle, the first since the centre-left Labor Party secured victory in the May 2022 general election, represents an attempt by Albanese to invigorate his team before the next anticipated poll in 2025.
During a televised media conference in Canberra, Albanese stated, “I would expect that this is the team that I will take to the election when it is held sometime in the future.”
Among the significant ministerial changes, Albanese declared that Tony Burke, currently serving as arts minister, will assume the crucial portfolios of home affairs, immigration and multicultural affairs, and cyber security. Clare O’Neil, transitioning from home affairs and cyber security, will take on the responsibilities of housing and homelessness, remaining a member of the cabinet. Meanwhile, Andrew Giles, the current immigration minister, will move to the skills and training portfolio, losing his cabinet position.
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy from the Northern Territory will assume the role of minister for indigenous Australians.
These appointments follow the announcement of retirement plans by veteran Labor ministers Brendan O’Connor and Linda Burney at the next election. Albanese expressed appreciation for the “extraordinary contribution” made by O’Connor and Burney to the nation over their extensive careers.
