- Prime Minister expected to dump the role of Minister of the Republic
- A ministerial reshuffle is expected before the end of the year
- An early reshuffle could mean elections THIS year
EXCLUSIVE
Anthony Albanese is about to step aside from the role of Assistant Minister for the Republic after finally realizing that most Australians no longer care much about the cost of living crisis.
A source close to the Prime Minister told Daily Mail Australia that the Albanian government is trying to distance itself from any “woke” political issues – including Australia becoming a republic – in the wake of the budget.
The expected timing of any reshuffle – before parliament’s winter (July) or summer (December) recess this year – could also be an important indicator for the timing of the next federal elections, according to the source.
It is clear that Albanians are not particularly impressed by Matt Thistlethwaite’s selling of a republic referendum, and do not want to be accused of being a distraction from more important economic challenges.
However, Thistlethwaite – who is a member of NSW’s powerful right-wing faction – will not fall from the front bench, he is also assistant minister for veterans affairs and defence, which he is likely to retain in any reshuffle.
Campaigners for a republic will be disappointed that the Prime Minister plans to push aside the role of minister for a republic
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (photo) will not hold a republic referendum after the defeat of The Voice
Ministerial reshuffles usually take place before a break in parliamentary work, to give new ministers time to fulfill their new responsibilities.
‘If [the PM] The reshuffle in July increases the chance of early elections. If he waits, it is difficult to see him going to the polls before early next year,” the source said.
In deciding the timing of the next election, Mr Albanese must also consider the implications of a federal campaign overlapping with state election campaigns.
In October this year, Queenslanders will contest the state election, while Western Australians will go to the polls in February 2025.
In addition, there are the US presidential elections in November, which will require a significant amount of attention.
In January, in the wake of the resounding defeat of the Voice referendum, Albanians distanced themselves from holding a republic referendum for a second term if they were reelected.
‘I have committed to one referendum. We held it. It wasn’t successful and I think that was disappointing,” Albanese said.
Assistant Minister of the Republic Matt Thistlethwaite (pictured) will lose the portfolio in the next reshuffle
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union national secretary Steve Murphy supported the change of heart, saying suspending the republic as an issue was a “sober reflection”.
“AMWU members consistently say the government must roll up its sleeves and get to work on its promises on manufacturing jobs, the cost of living and housing,” he said.
It appears this is exactly what the Prime Minister plans to do as he prepares for the next election.