- The prime minister is expected to step down as minister of the republic
- A ministerial reorganization is expected before the end of the year
- An early reshuffle could mean elections THIS year
EXCLUSIVE
Anthony Albanese is set to step down as deputy minister of the republic after finally realizing that most Australians don’t care about much more than the cost of living crisis.
A source close to the Prime Minister told Daily Mail Australia that the Albanian government is trying to distance itself from any “woke” political issues – including Australia becoming a republic – following the budget.
The expected timing of any imminent reshuffle – before parliament’s winter (July) or summer (December) recess this year – could also be an important indicator on the timing of the next federal election, according to the source.
Albanese is understood to have not been particularly impressed with Matt Thistlethwaite’s selling of a republican referendum and does not want to be accused of being a distraction from more important economic challenges.
Thistlethwaite, who is a member of the powerful New South Wales right-wing faction, will not be left out of the front line; However, he is also assistant minister for Veterans Affairs and Defense, a position he will likely retain in any reshuffle.
Campaigners for a republic will be disappointed that the prime minister plans to ditch the role of minister for a republic.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) will not hold a republican referendum after Voice defeat
Ministerial reshuffles usually take place before a break in parliamentary proceedings to give new ministers time to take up their new responsibilities.
‘If (the prime minister) makes the reshuffle in July, the chances of early elections will increase. If it is delayed, it will be difficult for him to go to the polls before the beginning of next year,” the source said.
In deciding the timing of the next election, Albanese must also consider the consequences of any federal campaign overlapping with state election campaigns.
Queenslanders will hold a state election in October this year, while Western Australians will go to the polls in February 2025.
There is also the US presidential election in November, which will consume a significant amount of attention.
In January, after the resounding defeat of the Voice referendum, Albanese distanced himself from holding a Republican referendum in a second term, if he was re-elected.
‘I committed to a referendum. We held it. It wasn’t successful and I think it was disappointing,” Albanese said.
Deputy Minister for the Republic Matt Thistlethwaite (pictured) will lose the portfolio in the upcoming reshuffle.
Australian Industrial Workers Union national secretary Steve Murphy supported the change of heart and said putting the republic on hold as a matter was “sober reflection”.
“AMWU members consistently say the government needs to roll up its sleeves and get to work on its commitments to manufacturing jobs, the cost of living and housing,” he said.
It appears that is exactly what the Prime Minister plans to do as he prepares for the next election.
