Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled his full ministry a day after Labor claimed the final 76th seat needed to form a majority government.
A record number of 19 women were elevated to ministerial positions, 13 in ministry and 10 in cabinet, while Ed Husic and Anne Aly became the first Muslim ministers in Australia’s history.
The Cabinet is a mix of familiar and new faces, along with some surprises following Labour’s first post-election meeting in Canberra on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has presented his new ministry, which holds some surprises
“It’s a mix of people who have served in cabinet before, it’s the most experienced incoming Labor government in our history since Federation,” Mr Albanese said.
“This is an exciting team brimming with talent, with people absolutely committed to making a difference as ministers and deputy ministers in my government.”
Richard Marles will take on the Defense portfolio as well as the role of Deputy Prime Minister, while Penny Wong was announced Foreign Minister last week.
Katy Gallagher is responsible for three portfolios: finance, public services and women.
Tanya Plibersek was widely chosen to fill the education post, but was instead appointed Minister for the Environment and Water, a role the Prime Minister insists she was happy and willing to fill.
Instead, the education portfolio was handed to rising Labor star Jason Clare.
Clare O’Neil will be Home Affairs Minister, while the new face, Ms Aly, will be responsible for children and youth education.
The cabinet is made up of 10 women, including the new Minister of Early Childhood Education and Youth, Anne Aly.
Don Farrell will be Minister for Trade and Tourism, as well as Special Minister of State, while Tony Burke will be Minister for Employment.
Mark Butler will take on health in the cabinet, with Chris Bowen in charge of climate change and energy.
Don Farrell will be Minister for Trade and Tourism, as well as Special Minister of State, while Tony Burke will be Minister for Employment.
Mark Butler will take on health in the cabinet, with Chris Bowen in charge of climate change and energy.
There will be a change of portfolio for Tanya Plibersek, who will be in charge of environment and water, while Jason Clare will be in charge of education.
Catherine King will be in charge of infrastructure, transportation and regional development.
Linda Burney will be Minister of Indigenous Affairs, the second Aboriginal person to take on the role.
Tanya Plibersek (pictured) surprised with the cabinet reshuffle as the new Minister of Water and Environment.
Former opposition leader Bill Shorten will be minister for NDIS and government services, while Amanda Rishworth will be in charge of social services.
Mark Dreyfus will be the new attorney-general, while Brendan O’Connor will be the Minister for Skills and Training.
Julie Collins will be Minister for Housing and Homelessness, while Michelle Rowland will be Minister for Communications.
Madeleine King will be Minister for Resources, Murray Watt as Minister for Agriculture, while Ed Husic will be the new Minister for Industry and Science.
Another new face, Eden-Monaro MP Kristy McBain, will take on the regional development and local government portfolio.
“This is a record number (of women), this is the most positive group that has ever come forward in terms of the cabinet, the ministry and the caucus,” Mr Albanese said.
“I want to see us move toward 50-50 representation across the spectrum.”
Anthony Albanese says his new ministry is packed with talent
Among the surprises at the ministry was new face Kristy McBain (pictured)
The governor general will be sworn into office on Wednesday.
“This is a government determined not to waste a single day in office,” Albanese said.
Labor claimed a 77th seat on Tuesday and incumbent Labor MP Fiona Phillips is expected to retain her seat following a nail-biting contest against Liberal candidate and former New South Wales minister Andrew Constance.
“Today the Labor Party has won the 77th seat in the House of Representatives,” said Mr Albanese.
“Indeed, it confirms that Labor will be a majority government when Parliament resumes in July.”
“It means the Coalition failed to claim a single seat from Labor in the election.”
He granted It’s a “tough day” for those who lost a role on the front bench, including Shayne Neumann, who was demoted to the back bench.
Australia’s two Muslim prime ministers will be sworn in on Wednesday, including Ed Husic.