New top dog for finance

Birmingham sworn in

SOUTH Australian senator Simon Birmingham has been sworn in as Australia’s new Finance Minister.

His appointment follows the resignation of Mathias Cormann, who in July announced plans to quit politics.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Senator Birmingham would assist Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in leading Australia’s economy through the coronavirus recovery.

“The world faces the largest global economic crisis since the Great Depression,” Senator Birmingham said.

“My first priority is to work with the Prime Minister, Treasurer and our team to fully implement our plan for economic recovery laid out in the recent budget.”

The senator will also juggle the new role with his current portfolio of Trade, Tourism and Investment until a Cabinet reshuffle, which is expected as early as December.

“We will not relent in seeking to advance and, where possible, conclude trade negotiations, while actively supporting our exporting farmers and businesses,” he said.

Senator Birmingham was sworn in by Governor-General David Hurley during a ceremony at Government House on Friday morning.

He will also assume the role of the Leader of the Government in the Senate.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash will become Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate.

Mr Morrison also announced two new additions to his budget “razor gang”, the expenditure review committee.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and Education Minister Dan Tehan will join the Cabinet committee.

A new policy implementation committee, which will track the roll-out of government initiatives across all portfolios, will also be established alongside the expenditure review committee and national security committee.