Appointment of new Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

In a Cabinet reshuffle following Labor’s decisive election victory earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP as Australia’s new Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.

Ms Rishworth, the Federal Member for Kingston in South Australia, brings with her a strong track record of social policy leadership. She previously served as the Minister for Social Services and Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), where she played a key role in several landmark initiatives during Labor’s first term.

With a clear passion for creating opportunity and equity, Minister Rishworth reflected on her appointment with humility and purpose:

“I got into politics to ensure all Australians can reach their potential and to create opportunities for everyone.”

She acknowledged the contributions of outgoing ministers Tony Burke and Murray Watt, and expressed her commitment to building on their work in securing well-paid, stable employment for Australians.

A strong foundation for future work

During her previous portfolio, Ms Rishworth spearheaded significant reforms and investments aimed at improving social services and strengthening support for families. Her achievements include:

• Reforming disability employment services to support meaningful pathways into the workforce;
• Leading the development of the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children in partnership with states and territories;
• Expanding and strengthening paid parental leave, including paying superannuation on the payment;
• Increasing payments such as Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, and the Single Parenting Payment.

What this means for the ECEC sector

Minister Rishworth steps into this new role at a time when workforce attraction, retention, and professional recognition remain core challenges for the ECEC sector. With her background in social services, disability support, and gender equity, the sector can anticipate continued advocacy for policies that elevate the status of care roles, address workforce shortages, and promote job security.

Her appointment is expected to further strengthen the connection between employment policy and the needs of those working in education and care, particularly women, who make up the vast majority of the ECEC workforce.

Read announcement here.