Anthony Albanese announces major cabinet reshuffle ahead of federal election

Anthony Albanese has promoted four women to senior cabinet positions ahead of the federal election.

The Prime Minister announced the Cabinet reshuffle on Thursday morning following the resignation of NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, who will leave Parliament next Monday.

Current Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will take over as NDIS Minister, while Finance Minister Katy Gallagher will become Minister for Public Services, in addition to her current portfolio.

A big winner is Minister of Sport and Elderly Care Anika Wells, who has been promoted to cabinet.

Minister of Youth Dr. Anne Aly will be appointed minister assisting the minister of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

It means that for the first time the frontbench has an equal distribution of men and women.

Mr Albanese paid tribute to his former party leader, Mr Shorten, “for his decades of service and the tangible positive difference he has made to the lives of Australians”.

“We recognize his service, particularly six years during which he had the honor of leading the Australian Labor Party, but as an effective minister and as an advocate for the entire Labor movement,” Albanese added.

The Prime Minister also praised Ms Wells, saying she was a worthy addition to the Cabinet.

“Anika Wells has delivered on the commitments made,” he said.

‘A nursing home, as it used to be called, now has a nurse 99 percent of the time.

“Literally millions of hours of extra care are being given to our older Australians who deserve to live out their later years with dignity and respect.

‘Anika Wells has done an excellent job as a minister, but also in the field of sports.’

The federal elections have not yet been called, but the latest possible date on which they can take place is Saturday, May 17.