Christian Porter replace George Brandis cabinet reshuffle

Rising West Australian Liberal Christian Porter will replace George Brandis as Australia’s first law officer under a major federal cabinet reshuffle.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced a refreshed line-up to take the coalition government into 2018, including two new portfolios.

Peter Dutton will become Minister for Home Affairs, and Michaelia Cash will become Minister for Jobs and Education. 

Senator Brandis will leave the upper house to become High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, taking over from Alexander Downer who’s held the post since 2014.

Rising West Australian Liberal Christian Porter (pictured) will replace George Brandis as Australia’s first law officer under a major federal cabinet reshuffle

Peter Dutton (pictured) will become Minister for Home Affairs, and Michaelia Cash will become Minister for Jobs and Education

Peter Dutton (pictured) will become Minister for Home Affairs, and Michaelia Cash will become Minister for Jobs and Education

Michaelia Cash (pictured) will head up one of the two major new portfolios announced today

Michaelia Cash (pictured) will head up one of the two major new portfolios announced today

Senator Brandis (pictured) will leave the upper house to become High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, taking over from Alexander Downer who's held the post since 2014

Senator Brandis (pictured) will leave the upper house to become High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, taking over from Alexander Downer who’s held the post since 2014

‘It’s a ministry that showcases the depth of the Liberal and National team, with well-earned promotions for talented individuals, and a number of young and upcoming MPs bringing new skills and energy to the frontbench,” Mr Turnbull told reporters in Sydney.

Treasurer Scott Morrison wished his colleague well: ‘Congratulations to George on a stellar career in Australian politics and for his leadership of the Senate,’ he said.

‘It’s been great to work with him and I’m sure he will do a great job where he’s heading off to.’

Mr Porter, a former WA state attorney-general, is currently Social Services Minister and his portfolio will be handed to Victorian Dan Tehan.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull  announced a refreshed line-up to take the coalition government into 2018 (pictured is Darren Chester)

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced a refreshed line-up to take the coalition government into 2018 (pictured is Darren Chester)

Senator Brandis will leave the upper house to become High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, taking over from Alexander Downer who's held the post since 2014 (pictured is Barnaby Joyce)

Senator Brandis will leave the upper house to become High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, taking over from Alexander Downer who’s held the post since 2014 (pictured is Barnaby Joyce)

New deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie (pictured), who replaced disqualified senator Fiona Nash, is also expected to earn a cabinet spot

New deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie (pictured), who replaced disqualified senator Fiona Nash, is also expected to earn a cabinet spot

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce is expected to vacate his agriculture portfolio and pick up transport and infrastructure from his Nationals colleague Darren Chester.

Mr Chester has been dumped, with little-known Queensland backbenchers David Littleproud and John McVeigh taking his place.

The dumping of Mr Chester could be a result of political payback, as he backed Ms McKenzie rather than Mr Joyce’s pick, Matt Canavan. 

Mr Chester held the position since early 2016, and was a strong supporter of same-sex marriage. 

Mr Porter (pictured, right with Mr Turnbull), a former WA state attorney-general, is currently Social Services Minister

Mr Porter (pictured, right with Mr Turnbull), a former WA state attorney-general, is currently Social Services Minister

However, new deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie, who replaced disqualified senator Fiona Nash, has also earned a cabinet spot. 

Cabinet secretary Arthur Sinodinos, who is battling illness, will not return to the cabinet table next year.

Elsewhere, Justice Minister Michael Keenan will take on a security role under the new Home Affairs mega portfolio to be overseen by current Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.

Former health minister and NSW Liberal Sussan Ley could also make a return to cabinet after she was forced to resign in January when questions were raised about her use of MP travel entitlements, Fairfax Media reports.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan (pictured) could be in line to take on a security role under the new Home Affairs mega portfolio

Justice Minister Michael Keenan (pictured) could be in line to take on a security role under the new Home Affairs mega portfolio

 



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