Broad and Tehan front and centre
Wimmera-mallee and Western District political representatives are set to play an influential role in national governance as part of the Federal Government’s leadership change and ministerial shake-up.
Liberal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan, 50, and Nationals Member for Mallee Andrew Broad, 43, have won portfolios in Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s new ministry.
Mr Tehan, who represents Ararat and Stawell districts as well as much of south-west Victoria, will change from Social Services Minister to Education Minister.
Mr Broad, whose electorate covers most of north-west Victoria, is the new Assistant Minister to Deputy Prime Minister Michael Mccormack.
Mr Broad’s ministerial appointment is a first for a Member for Mallee.
Mr Tehan said he was honoured and humbled with his appointment as Education Minister.
“Our children are our future and it is critically important the government continues to ensure every Australian child gets the best possible education,” he said.
Mr Tehan, with offices in Hamilton and Warrnambool and who has also had previous ministerial positions including Defence Personnel, Veter- ans’ Affairs and Defence Materiel and with a tertiary background in political science, international relations and foreign affairs, said he was proud of what he had achieved with the Social Services portfolio.
He also stressed that he remained a dedicated representative of Wannon.
“The best form of welfare is a job and this government has delivered a strong economy and record jobs growth,” he said.
“In Social Services, I have concentrated on helping people off welfare and into work.
“My number-one priority will continue to be advocating on behalf of the people of Wannon.
“I will ensure their views are strongly represented in the Australian Parliament. It is only because of their faith in me that I have been given this opportunity.”
Tremendous honour
Mr Broad, a Bridgewater farmer and former Victorian Farmers Federation president with headquarters in Mildura and Swan Hill, said he was looking forward to working with the new Morrison-mccormack government.
He said he would ‘hit the ground running’ in the next few weeks.
“This new role is a tremendous honour, and I am looking forward to serving even more regional Australians across our country,” he said.
“My new responsibilities will include assisting with infrastructure, transport and regional development alongside Deputy Prime Minister, Michael Mccormack.
“This is a portfolio I am passionate about and gives great opportunity to afford regional Australians better outcomes for their communities and their families including the people in the great electorate of Mallee.”
The ministerial changes, which came into effect yesterday, were the result of a successful leadership challenge that led to Scott Morrison replacing Malcolm Turnbull as Australian Prime Minister.