The new Federal Cabinet officially took office in Canberra today. Photo: JJ Harrison
With the new federal cabinet sworn in earlier today, new appointments and reappointments have been welcomed.
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) says Murray Watt’s appointment as Minister for Environment and Water means the overdue reform of national nature laws can be tackled.
ACF CEO Kelly O’Shanassy says “there are many reasons why we should protect nature, not the least of which is because nature protects us”.
“Nature in Australia is under intense pressure and the national nature law is not working.”
She says it’s time for the Albanese government to reform the law.
“That promise remains unfulfilled. It’s time to get on with the job. There can be no more delays, caving to lobby groups and carving out industries.”
On Chris Bowen’s reappointment as Climate and Energy Minister, O’Shanassy says that at the recent election “voters chose renewables, storage and climate solutions over nuclear delay and distraction”.
“Australia is nearly halfway to 100% renewable electricity. Bowen has a clear mandate to continue to co-ordinate the clean energy transition,” she says.
- Australia’s largest accounting association, CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland says the new Cabinet provides continuity for the accounting and business sectors. “(Treasurer) Dr (Jim) Chalmers’ stated focus on improving productivity in this new term is vital to boosting Australia’s prosperity,” he says.
- The Australian College of Nursing CEO, Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz FACN, says Mark Butler’s reappointment as Health Minister is a chance to accelerate health reform. “The time to restructure the health system for the future is now. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to truly reform Medicare and the health system to ensure access to affordable, quality health services for generations to come,” she says.
- The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) CEO Jon Davies said the return of Catherine King is a confident sign that initiatives like the National Construction Strategy will continue. As for Chalmers, Davies says construction can help boost productivity growth. “Our industry is the engine room of the economy. Close the productivity gap and you reduce labour shortages, lower building costs and ease cost-of-living pressures,” he says.
FEDERAL CABINET (WITH PORTFOLIOS)
Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), Richard Marles (Deputy PM and Defence), Senator Penny Wong (Foreign Affairs), Dr Jim Chalmers (Treasurer), Senator Katy Gallagher (Finance, Public Service, Women, Government Services), Senator Don Farrell (Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State), Tony Burke (Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, Cyber Security, Arts), Mark Butler (Health and Ageing, Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme), Chris Bowen (Climate Change and Energy), Catherine King (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government), Amanda Rishworth (Employment and Workplace Relations), Jason Clare (Education), Michelle Rowland (Attorney-General), Tanya Plibersek (Social Services), Julie Collins (Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry), Clare O’Neil (Housing, Homelessness, Cities), Madeleine King (Resources, Northern Australia), Senator Murray Watt (Environment and Water), Senator Malarndirri McCarthy (Indigenous Australians), Anika Wells (Communications, Sport), Pat Conroy (Defence Industry, Pacific Island Affairs), Dr Anne Aly (Small Business, International Development, Multicultural Affairs), Senator Tim Ayres (Industry and Innovation, Science).
OUTER MINISTRY
Matt Keogh (Veterans’ Affairs, Defence Personnel), Kristy McBain (Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Emergency Management), Andrew Giles (Skills and Training), Senator Jenny McAllister (National Disability Insurance Scheme), Dr Daniel Mulino (Assistant Treasurer, Financial Services), Senator Dr Jess Walsh (Early Childhood Education, Youth) and Sam Rae (Aged Care and Seniors).
