Today, I announce acting shadow ministerial arrangements, in which existing members of the Shadow Cabinet will retain their current portfolios but also assume short-term responsibility for vacancies as follows:
- Mr Ted O'Brien MP (Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services)
- Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash (Trade, Investment and Tourism)
- Senator the Hon. Anne Ruston (Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
- The Hon. Dan Tehan MP (Resources and Northern Australia)
- Senator the Hon. James McGrath (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Local Government and Territories)
- The Hon. Angus Taylor MP (Veterans' Affairs)
- Ms Angie Bell MP (Water and Emergency Management)
With several upcoming parliamentary sittings, including Senate Estimates, the Liberal Leadership Group has met and agreed that the finalisation of longer term shadow ministerial arrangements is also required.
It is intended that these acting arrangements cease before the second February sitting week commences (Monday 9 February), when I appoint a further six parliamentarians to serve in the Shadow Cabinet and two in the outer Shadow Ministry, on an ongoing basis.
There is enormous talent in the parliamentary Liberal Party and my party room is more than capable of permanently fulfilling each and every one of those roles.
Equally, The Nationals' decision to leave the Coalition was both regrettable and unnecessary and that door remains open. The Liberal and National parties exist to serve the Australian people and the maintenance of a strong and functioning relationship between both is in the national interest - whether we are in a formal Coalition or not.
On Tuesday evening, I wrote to David Littleproud proposing that we meet, without any preconditions and as a priority, ahead of Parliament's return. I understand and respect his decision to await his party's consideration of a forthcoming spill motion. Following Monday's parliamentary meeting of The Nationals, I will attempt to meet with whoever is elected as their leader.
The Opposition's focus continues to be on the millions of struggling Australians who can't afford the basics under Labor's inflation crisis. Energy prices are up almost 40 per cent and the average mortgage holder is already paying around $21,000 a year more in interest than when the Liberal Party last governed. We will continue holding the Albanese Government to account as we outline, and offer, a better way forward for the Australian people.
