I am pleased to announce the following changes to the Shadow Ministry, which strengthen Coalition efforts to simultaneously hold the Albanese Government to account and develop a clear, credible policy platform that contrasts with Labor.
Senator The Hon Jonathon Duniam has been appointed to the position of Shadow Minister for Home Affairs. Given its direct link to the ongoing safety and security of the Australian people, the allocation of this portfolio is one of the most significant decisions a Prime Minister or Leader of the Opposition makes. As uncovered and exposed by the Coalition in Parliament last week, Labor's significant failings in Home Affairs risk causing substantial harm to the Australian community. Accordingly, rigorously scrutinising Labor's handling of this portfolio takes on an even greater importance and Senator Duniam, one of the Coalition's most talented parliamentarians, will discharge his duties with the determination and work ethic they demand.
Mr Julian Leeser MP replaces Senator Duniam as Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning, and continues serving as Shadow Minister for the Arts. Mr Leeser has always been deeply passionate about these portfolios and brings a broad depth of pre-parliamentary experience to the policy areas within each.
Mr Andrew Wallace MP, who prior to entering Parliament worked as a barrister in construction law, replaces Mr Leeser as the Shadow Attorney-General. For several years now, Mr Wallace has fiercely advocated for Australia's national security interests and advanced many initiatives to protect Australians. Widely regarded as one of Parliament's most considered legal thinkers, he is well-credentialed to serve in this specialist Shadow Cabinet position.
In order to focus on his new responsibilities, Mr Wallace will resign as the Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS). It is my formal recommendation to the Prime Minister that Mr Phillip Thompson OAM MP be appointed to this vacancy. Mr Thompson is one of the brightest defence policy minds in the country and in addition to his current shadow ministerial portfolios, this is a further opportunity to serve the Australian people diligently in a crucial national security role.
Ms Zoe McKenzie MP has been appointed to the vacant Shadow Cabinet Secretary position and will also continue as Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning. With more than two decades experience working in, and solving, public policy challenges, this important policy co-ordination role is both a natural and deserved elevation for Ms McKenzie.
In addition to his role as Chief Opposition Whip, Mr Aaron Violi MP takes on the role of Shadow Assistant Minister for Communications. Mr Violi has an impressive subject matter expertise across the wide array of issues in this portfolio and will be a welcome contributor to the Shadow Ministry.
Finally, in addition to his House Deputy Whip duties, Mr Cameron Caldwell MP joins the Shadow Ministry as Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing and Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health. These policy areas are extraordinarily important to millions of Australians and Mr Caldwell will, drawing on his years of local government experience, work tirelessly on their behalf.
