Prime Minister Scott Morrison pushed forth major changes on two vital issues—aged care and trade. It is expected that the changes that PM Morrison wanted to do will test the government in the next coming months.
Aged care has been managed carefully and effectively by Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Richard Colbeck, the incumbent Aged Care Minister retains the management of aged care services which includes the delivery of residential home care packages and sector regulation.
It is expected that the royal commission will deliver its final report in February. Upon finalizing the said report, Hunt will be leading the policy response. He will be leading the government’s position vis-à-vis the most difficult policy challenges of the first quarter of 2021.
Dan Tehan’s choice for trade is considered logical. Having an adequate background in the area as he served in the Foreign Affairs and Trade Department, Tehan is expected to deliver a good performance as he will be dealing with an array of issues in the trade situation in Australia.
Tehan’s education portfolio will go to Alan Tudge, who will also assume responsibility for youth. It was said in a recent Four Corners report that Tudge’s ministerial career was not affected by his private life.
Queensland senator Amanda Stoker is promoted to Assistant Minister to the Attorney General. ACT Senator Zed Seselja will serve as the Minister for International Development and the Pacific.
Granting the Liberal party right might be useful for Morrison especially if he considers the participation of the conservatives on climate policy.
Andrew Hastie came from the Liberal’s conservative wing. However, his promotion will be seen through a certain foreign policy prism. He has been critical of China and the Chinese will be monitoring his appointment as the new Assistant Minister for Defence.
Hastie is expected to help out the Australian government clearing the alleged Australian war crimes on the Brereton report.
Alex Hawke, a strong ally of Morrison is the newly appointed Immigration Minister.
While David Coleman, the acting Immigration Minister is on personal leave, he is appointed as the new Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
Ben Morton, a close ally of Morrison did not move up to the junior ministry and remains the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Aside from this position, he will be managing the Ministry for Public Service as well as the Assistant Minister position for Electoral Matters.
Jane Hume is now the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services, and Digital Economy.
Paul Fletcher, who serves as the Communications Minister, will assume infrastructure and cities and give up cyber safety.
PM Morrison said that the new appointments to economy and security will be a strong focus on stability and commitment to forge and establish new talents.
