UPDATED: After securing a deal to reunite the Coalition, Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley has unveiled her shadow cabinet on Wednesday.
Following the shock split in the Nationals a week ago, the party met early on Wednesday morning to endorse a deal to rejoin the Liberals.
According to the ABC, former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce had warned current leader David Littleproud not to select shadow ministers without consulting the party room, to avoid ongoing divisions. He was also informed by Littleproud this morning that he would not receive a shadow portfolio.
Meanwhile another ex-Nationals leader, Michael McCormack has confirmed he has been axed from the shadow ministry, Sky News reports.
McCormack told the press afterwards: “I wouldn’t be human if I say I wasn’t disappointed, but I have a lot to offer. I was told it was generational change and a couple of those people are older than me. You have to ask the leader, it is his prerogative … I’m disappointed, but life goes on.”
The following appointments are noteworthy: Ted O'Brien - treasurer, Tim Wilson - industrial relations and employment and for small business, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price - defence industry and defence personnel; Michaelia Cash - foreign affairs; Andrew Hastie - home affairs, Angus Taylor - defence, James Paterson - finance, Andrew Bragg as minister for productivity and deregulation role including housing, Dave Sharma as assistant minister for competition, charities and treasury, Jason Wood - international development and the Pacific, Catherine Liddle - indigenous Australians and social services, Angie Bell - environment and youth, Melissa McIntosh - women, Anne Ruston - aged care, sport and the NDIS, Melissa Price - cybersecurity and science, Dean Smith - industry and emissions reduction, Dan Tehan - energy and emissions, Andrew Wallace - cabinet secretary, Alex Hawke - industry and innovation and manager of Opposition business in the house, Leah Price and Zoe McKenzie will become assistant ministers, Gisele Kapterian - assistant minister for communications, minister for technology and the digital economy (should she win Bradfield in a recount). Jonathon Duniam - education and early learning, Julian Leeser - attorney-general and minister for the arts, Paul Scarr - immigration. James McGrath - new urban infrastructure and cities (new portfolio), Phil Thompson - assistant miniter for defence and for the NDIS, Matt O’Sullivan - assistant minister for infrastructure and for fisheries and forestry, Darren Chester - veterans affairs, Ross Cadell - water, fisheries, forestries and emergency services, Ann Webster - regional development, local government and regional telecommunications, Pat Conaghan - assistant treasurer and minister for financial services, Sam Birrell - assistant minister for health and education, Jamie Chaffee - assistant minister for agriculture and resources.
Jane Hume and Sarah Henderson have been demoted to the backbenches.
Ley said: "I want to thank you David (Littleproud) for the respectful and productive way that you and I have engaged throughout this process. I know that we will be a great partnership going forward.
“I promised my leadership would be done differently and it will be. I have communicated with every single member of my party room about this shadow ministry. Those who are in the shadow ministry and those who are not. That style might be unconventional, but it is important because I always said that I would harness the talents of my party room. Everyone has a role to play, even if they are not formally in the lineup.”
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