Greek Australian MP Alex Hawke has been appointed as the Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation in Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s newly reshuffled shadow cabinet. He will also serve as the Manager of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives.
A long-time ally of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Hawke has remained close to Sussan Ley throughout the Coalition’s leadership transition.
The reshuffle, announced this week, brings significant changes to the Liberal-National Opposition frontbench, as Ley attempts to reposition the Coalition following its recent electoral defeat.
Among the most talked-about changes is the removal of Senator Jane Hume from the frontbench. Hume had come under fire for her stance on public sector work-from-home arrangements, which became a controversial pre-election policy position. Though the policy was later scrapped due to backlash, its impact lingered.
When questioned about Hume’s demotion, Ley declined to reveal private conversations but praised Hume as “an incredibly talented and outstanding member of the team” and denied that the move was an act of personal retribution.
Senator James Paterson has taken over the key portfolio of Shadow Treasurer, while Ted O’Brien, the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, has assumed the role of Shadow Finance Minister. Angus Taylor, formerly in charge of the economy, moves to the Defence portfolio, replacing Andrew Hastie, who now takes over as Shadow Home Affairs Minister.
Ley also hinted that the Coalition might reassess its climate policies in opposition. Asked whether the Coalition still supported net zero emissions targets, she responded that the party would review its entire energy platform moving forward, emphasising the need for a “balanced” approach that doesn’t come at “any cost.”
At the unveiling of the shadow cabinet, Ley acknowledged the role of Nationals Leader David Littleproud in shaping the new lineup and thanked him for a “productive and respectful” collaboration. She also reaffirmed her commitment to inclusive leadership, stating that she had personally spoken to every member of the party—whether they made the frontbench or not.
“This may be an unusual approach,” she said, “but I’ve always said I’ll use the full range of talent within our party. Everyone has a role to play, even if not formally included in the cabinet.”
Shadow Cabinet Highlights: Key Appointments
Sussan Ley – Leader of the Opposition
Ted O’Brien – Shadow Minister for Finance
Michaelia Cash – Shadow Foreign Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
James Paterson – Shadow Treasurer and Minister for Public Administration
Angus Taylor – Shadow Minister for Defence
Andrew Hastie – Shadow Minister for Home Affairs
Dan Tehan – Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction
Alex Hawke – Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price – Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Defence Personnel
Melissa McIntosh – Shadow Minister for Women and Communications
Susan McDonald – Shadow Minister for Resources and the Northern Territory
Julian Leeser – Shadow Minister for Justice and the Arts (returning to frontbench after previous resignation over Voice referendum stance)
The Nationals also announced their portfolios, with Littleproud taking on Agriculture, and others including Darren Chester (Veterans’ Affairs), Kevin Hogan (Trade and Tourism), and Ann Webster (Regional Development).
Commenting on the absence of former leaders Michael McCormack and Barnaby Joyce, Littleproud cited a need for generational change.
“I’ve been clear that I want to cultivate the next generation of leaders and draw on their diversity and skill sets,” he said.
McCormack, of Greek heritage himself, expressed disappointment at his demotion, saying: “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. But life goes on.” While not ruling out a future challenge to the Nationals’ leadership, he noted that “a week is a long time in politics.”
