Opposition Leader Angus Taylor Introduces Revitalized Shadow Ministry

Angus Taylor, fresh from his victory in the Liberal leadership race, has introduced a new frontbench team designed to propel the Coalition back into government in the upcoming elections.

In a significant move, Taylor has appointed Victorian MP Tim Wilson to a vital economic role. Wilson, who secured his Goldstein seat by a narrow margin against independent Zoe Daniel in the federal elections last May, will now oversee the treasury portfolio.

Wilson expressed his commitment to restoring “economic hope” for Australians facing hardships.

“Achieving economic hope for Australia requires a change in government, and we are determined to bring an end to the Albanese administration. We will make that happen,” Wilson declared.

Jane Hume, Taylor’s deputy, who joined him in seizing leadership from Sussan Ley, will handle employment and industrial relations responsibilities.

Taylor has also rewarded conservative allies, bringing back Sarah Henderson, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Andrew Hastie to the frontbench.

Price has been promoted to small business spokesperson, while Western Australian MP Hastie will return to the shadow cabinet as industry spokesperson. Henderson takes on the communications portfolio.

Senator James Paterson’s portfolio will shift from finance to defence.

“Today marks a fresh beginning; an opportunity to put the past behind us and to remember that our historic strength comes through unity,” Taylor told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.

New entrants include Aaron Violi in science, technology and the digital economy, Simon Kennedy as assistant to the Opposition leader and assistant finance minister, and Garth Hamilton as assistant energy minister.

Others who’ll remain in the shadow cabinet include Michaelia Cash as legal affairs spokesperson and Jonathon Duniam as Home Affairs spokesperson.

The Nationals members of the Coalition will continue in their previous roles. They have been reappointed following the Liberal and National parties’ reunification earlier this month.

But some of former Opposition leader Ley’s backers, including Paul Scarr, Alex Hawke, Melissa Price and Maria Kovacic were left out of the shadow ministry.

Taylor thanked the colleagues leaving the frontbench.

“We’re fortunate to have real depth of talent in our party room, and I’m committed to drawing on all of it,” he said.

Full list: Shadow ministry

• Angus Taylor: Opposition leader
• Jane Hume: Employment and industrial relations, productivity and deregulation
• Tim Wilson: Treasury
• Claire Chandler: Finance, public service
• Ted O’Brien: Foreign affairs
• Michaelia Cash: Legal affairs
• James Paterson: Defence
• Jonathon Duniam: Home affairs and immigration
• Anne Ruston: Health and aged care
• Kevin Hogan: Trade, investment and tourism
• Bridget McKenzie: Infrastructure, transport and regional development
• Melissa McIntosh: Women, NDIS, families and social services
• Sarah Henderson: Communications and digital safety
• Julian Leeser: Indigenous Australians
• David Littleproud: Agriculture
• Andrew Bragg: Environment, housing and homelessness
• Ross Cadell: Water, emergency management
• Tony Pasin: Fisheries, forestry, scrutiny of government waste and accountability
• Angie Bell: Sport, youth, arts
• Jacinta Nampijinpa Price: Small business
• Aaron Violi: Science, technology and innovation, digital economy
• Andrew Hastie: Industry and sovereign capability
• Dan Tehan: Energy and reduction
• Susan McDonald: Resources and Northern Australia
• Darren Chester: Veterans’ affairs
• Phillip Thompson: Defence industry
• James McGrath: Urban infrastructure and cities, special minister of state
• Anne Webster: Regional development and communications, local government and territories
• Sam Birrell: Regional education
• Matt O’Sullivan: Child protection and prevention of family violence

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