Australia’s newly re-elected Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has announced the formation of a new cabinet following the May 3 general election, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 13.
“I intend to recommend to the governor general, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn, the following makeup of the ministry to be sworn in tomorrow at 9 a.m. (23:00 GMT). It will be followed by a full ministry meeting here in Parliament House,’’ Albanese told a press briefing on Monday.
The prime minister noted that the allocation of ministerial portfolios was carried out “in the normal way of the caucus.”
The Australian Labour Party secured 92 seats in the 150-member lower house of parliament — the highest number in the party’s history. It is also projected to hold at least 28 seats in the upper house, solidifying its mandate to govern.
Albanese confirmed that key ministerial roles would remain unchanged. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will continue to serve as Defence Minister, while Penny Wong retains her position as Foreign Minister and Jim Chalmers remains Treasurer.
Other returning cabinet members include Katy Gallagher as Finance Minister, Tony Burke as Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, and Jason Clare as Education Minister.
However, Albanese also announced several changes to the cabinet lineup. Michelle Rowland, formerly Communications Minister, will assume the role of Attorney-General, while Murray Watt, who previously served as Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, will now lead the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.
The Labour Party’s victory in the May 3 election paved the way for Albanese to secure a second term as prime minister and form a new government for the next three years.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton of the Liberal-National Coalition conceded defeat and extended congratulations to Albanese on his victory.
