Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull unveils new cabinet line-up Saturday February 13,2016

 

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Saturday February 13,2016 announced the line-up of his new cabinet, emphasising the role of his younger and female colleagues.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced a cabinet reshuffle after the departure of five ministers in five months.

Two senior ministers retired, while three others left in the wake of separate political scandals.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the new line-up as "a dynamic team which combines youth, new talent, experience, continuity and a real sense of innovation and enterprise."

"It's a team that's focused on Australia's future, focused on the policies that will encourage innovation and enterprise," he said.

Incoming Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who became leader of the Nationals on Thursday, will keep the post of the minister for agriculture and water resources.

The Nationals have been offered another position in the cabinet, expanding the size of the cabinet to 22 people.

Victorian Nationals MP Darren Chester has been offered the infrastructure and transport portfolio previously held by Warren Truss who announced his resignation earlier this week.

Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells will shift from assistant minister for multicultural affairs to the portfolio of international development and the Pacific, while Craig Laundy will take over her old role.

Steve Ciobo will take on the role of trade minister and will work with newly- appointed special envoy for trade Andrew Robb.

The new team will be sworn in on Thursday next week, boosting the number of women to six in the cabinet and 10 in the executive