PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese has announced his new cabinet and ministry lineup, following Labor’s sweeping election result ten days ago that has delivered the largest ALP caucus since federation.

Ag minister Julie Collins

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has retained her portfolio, with Anthony Chisholm continuing as Assistant Ag Minister, however there have been numerous changes in other ministries.

Despite being one of Labor’s most senior women, Tanya Plibersek has been removed from her environment portfolio, the casualty of a frosty relationship with Prime Minister Albanese. She moves to Social Services.

Former communications minister Michelle Rowland will become the new attorney-general after Mark Dreyfus was pushed aside.

Murray Watt is shifting from employment and workplace relations to the environment portfolio, with former NDIS minister Amanda Rishworth taking the employment and workplace relations portfolio.

Catherine King becomes Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, while Kristy McBain is Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.

The Labor Government’s front line team of defence minister Richard Marles, treasurer Jim Chalmers, finance minister Katy Gallagher, foreign affairs minister Penny Wong and trade minister Don Farrell remain unchanged.

Other ministers keeping their portfolios include Malarndirri McCarthy (Indigenous Australians), Tony Burke (home affairs), Mark Butler (health), Chris Bowen (energy), Jason Clare (education) and Clare O’Neil (housing).

Tim Ayres was also promoted to cabinet while Jess Walsh, Daniel Mulino and Sam Rae enter the 30-person ministry.

NFF welcomes Albanese ministry

The National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke said both Ag Minister Collins and deputy Chisholm brought valuable experience and a sound understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

“We need strong leadership to tackle the big issues facing farmers, and that work must start now,” Mr Jochinke said.

The NFF congratulated Don Farrell on retaining the trade portfolio, and welcomed the appointments of Murray Watt to environment and water, Anika Wells to communications, Tim Ayres to industry and innovation, and Amanda Rishworth to employment and workplace relations. The NFF also congratulated Dr Andrew Leigh who will continue as Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury.

Mr Jochinke said early engagement with Ministers would be crucial.

“We’re calling on the Prime Minister and Minister Collins to visit drought-hit regions within the Government’s first 30 days. Farmers are doing it tough and they need to see leadership on the ground.

“Minister Farrell has done an outstanding job working for farmers in trade. As we continue to face trade disruptions, we look forward to continuing to work with him on access to key markets.

“We look forward to working with Minister Watt to better understand the Government’s plans on environmental regulation, water and nature repair, which have huge implications for landholders.

“Minister Watt developed a strong understanding of farmers’ needs during his time in the agriculture portfolio. We expect he’ll bring that insight to his new role.

“We’re also ready to partner with the Government to progress a right to repair for agricultural machinery, a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation,  and the National Food Security Strategy.

“Our goal is clear – to grow Australian agriculture into a $100 billion industry by 2030. We need strong partnerships across Government to make that happen.

“We’ll continue to work with the Opposition and crossbench to make sure the needs of regional Australia are front and centre.”