Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a government reshuffle after seeing his popularity plummet following weeks of shocking revelations about the toxic workplace culture in federal politics and the treatment of women in federal politics and society at large.
Christian Porter and Linda Reynolds, who are both currently on medical leave, are departing from their senior ministerial positions and are switching to other Cabinet roles in an effort to stabilise the government.
Home Affairs Minsiter Peter Dutton will replace Senator Reynolds as Defence Minister, a role he has coveted and former industry minister Karen Andrews will replace Mr Dutton in Home Affairs.
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“Karen has done an outstanding job in her role. She is a woman of great talent, great experience and great practicality,” Mr Morrison said.
Mr Porter will leave his post as attorney-general to take on Ms Andrews’ former role, while Senator Reynolds takes on government services and the NDIS.
The new Attorney-General and Industrial Relations Minister will be Michaelia Cash, who is moving into the role from the employment ministry.
Mr Morrison is allowing Mr Porter to remain in the Cabinet while pursuing a defamation action against ABC journalist Louise Milligan following an article published on 26 February which Mr Porter says made false allegations against him in relation to a person he met when he was a teenager.
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“He’s a very capable minister and I’m sure he’ll apply his talents to that portfolio to the best of his abilities,” the prime minister said.
