PM in ministry makeover
MALCOLM Turnbull is set to unveil a new-look ministerial team as soon as today, with Attorney-General George Brandis all but locked in to leave for London.
After months of speculation, it is understood Senator Brandis will replace Alexander Downer as the nation’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
His key portfolio is tipped to be taken by Social Services Minister Christian Porter, with Employment Minister Michaelia Cash another contender.
News Corp, publisher of the Advertiser, understands Financial Services Minister Kelly O’Dwyer is being considered to take over Senator Cash’s portfolio but is keen to remain in her present position ahead of the next Budget.
Fellow Victorian MP Dan Tehan is in line for a Cabinet promotion and could land Mr Porter’s current portfolio on the back of his work in veteran’s affairs.
Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton will be sworn in as the nation’s first Home Affairs Minister, including responsibility for ASIO which used to fall to the Attorney-General.
Another Cabinet place is likely to be up for grabs because of the ill health of Industry and Innovation Minister Arthur Sinodinos.
Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie is expected to vault into Cabinet after she was chosen as Nationals deputy leader, replacing Fiona Nash who quit because she held British citizenship.
The Prime Minister will have to decide whether to keep four Nationals in Cabinet or add another one to squeeze in Senator McKenzie.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann is expected to formally take over from Scott Ryan as Special Minister of State.
Former health minister Sussan Ley is in line for a place in the outer ministry after she was forced out of Cabinet over an expenses scandal.
Michael Sukkar, Angus Taylor and Craig Laundy are others who could step up, while Queensland MPs are also pushing for greater representation around the Cabinet table, with John McVeigh, Keith Pitt and David Littleproud suggested as being in the mix for a promotion.
Liberal MP Tim Wilson appeared to confirm the timing of the reshuffle yesterday and said it was an opportunity “to bring in fresh, new, hungry talent”.