Extra responsibilities for Anne Aly in PM’s pre election cabinet reshuffle

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a cabinet reshuffle in light of the resignation of Bill Shorten from his role as the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Minister Shorten will retire from politics in February after serving in his electorate since 2007. 

As a result of the reshuffle Dr Anne Aly, the Minister for Early Childhood Education, will take on an additional role as  Minister Assisting the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Other changes include Amanda Rishworth being nominated as the NDIS Minister, Anika Wells, Minister for Aged Care and Sport, being promoted to the federal cabinet, and Katy Gallagher being nominated as Minister for Government Services.

The promotion of the four women has, for the first time, seen the frontbench having an equal split of men and women.

“I once again pay tribute to Bill Shorten for his decades of service and the tangible positive difference he’s made to the lives of Australians all over the country and to the NDIS,” PM Albanese said in a statement.

“I am proud to lead a strong, united and stable cabinet government focused on delivering for Australians now, while building Australia’s future,” the PM added.

The new ministerial roles will come into effect after a swearing-in ceremony on January 20 in Canberra.