More women in Turnbull’s cabinet

SYDNEY (AFP) – Australia’s new leader Malcolm Turnbull said Wednesday he was committed to having more women in top positions, as he prepares to unveil a cabinet that will replace a line-up criticized for poor female representation.

Under former premier Tony Abbott the 19-member cabinet included just two women, and Abbott himself was responsible for women’s policies, a move that rankled after he had been accused of sexist and outdated thinking.

Turnbull, who ousted Abbott as leader of the ruling Liberal Party on Monday, is expected to reshuffle the leadership team to bring generational change, but has also reportedly reached out to old foes and his more conservative colleagues to foster party unity.

Turnbull would not be drawn on who would be sworn in as ministers next week, but indicated more women would be involved.

“There is no greater enthusiast than me for seeing more women in positions of power and influence in parliament, in ministries right across the country,’’ he said.

“I can assure you that. I am very committed to that, but I am not going to say any more about the new ministerial arrangements.’’