Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced his new ministry with former defence minister Marise Payne replacing Julie Bishop who announced she would quit as Foreign Affairs Minister.
The former deputy Liberal leader said she will stay on as an MP.
Mr Morrison’s other challenger for the leadership, Peter Dutton, will keep his job as Home Affairs Minister but it has been split to separate Immigration, with that job going to David Coleman.
“David has a keen understanding of the many different backgrounds and the many different issues that need to be managed to ensure that Australians who have come from so many backgrounds get that fair go I spoke of,” Mr Morrison said.
He said his team was chosen to ensure stability but also to “begin the work of healing that is needed” after the leadership change.
Mr Morrison has announced Christopher Pyne will replace Senator Payne as Defence Minister and Steve Ciobo steps into the Defence Industry role.
Simon Birmingham will take over Mr Ciobo’s former job as Trade Minister.
Mr Morrison has split the Energy and Environment role into two separate ministries, Melissa Price has been promoted into Cabinet and becomes Environment Minister.
Angus Taylor, who was among those who backed Mr Dutton in the leadership challenge, has been given the Energy role.
“The Minister for getting electricity prices down, also to be known as the Minister for Energy, will Angus Taylor,” Mr Morrison said.
“I’m looking for more and new innovative ways for Angus Taylor to bring a greater opportunity to bring the prices down and I’m sure he will be doing that,” Mr Morrison said.
He cited price and reliability but did not mention emissions reduction as part of the Minister’s task.
The PM has appointed Dan Tehan as the new Education Minister.
He will be tasked with helping to resolve the ongoing row with the Catholic sector about school funding.
“In terms of education, there are some clear issues that we are still seeking to resolve.
“I can assure you that Dan will pick up the work that was being done by Senator Birmingham to ensure that we can move quickly to resolve any concerns that have been raised,” he said.
Mr Morrison had already announced his new deputy Josh Frydenberg will be Treasurer.
Joyce appointed drought envoy
There is a new role for former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce as special envoy for drought assistance and recovery.
“We have an ability for our members who have served in leadership roles in the past to be drawn on, to engage with Australians on some of these big challenges,” Mr Morrison said.
“I am pleased that Barnaby has agreed to take on the role.”
He has indicated former PM Tony Abbott could also have a similar job but that has not been settled yet. ABC