Australian PM Kevin Rudd unveils new cabinet

Melbourne, July 1: Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is also minister for infrastructure and transport, will take on the broadband, communications and the digital economy portfolio vacated by key Gillard supporter, Stephen Conroy.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd unveiled his new cabinet Monday, filling out key positions left by resigned Julia Gillard supporters.

Chris Bowen, already been sworn in as Treasurer, will take the portfolio of financial services and superannuation from Bill Shorten, who has a new portfolio of education in addition to his old portfolio of workplace relations, reported Xinhua.

Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is also minister for infrastructure and transport, will take on the broadband, communications and the digital economy portfolio vacated by key Gillard supporter, Stephen Conroy.

Jacinta Collins, deputy leader of the government in the Senate, joins the cabinet as minister for mental health and aging. Mark Butler, minister for mental health and aging in the Gillard cabinet, will take on the portfolios of climate change, environment, heritage and water.

Tony Burke will be the new minister for immigration, multicultural affairs and citizenship, as well as retaining the arts portfolio. Brendan O'Connor will serve as the minister for employment, and for skills and training.

Kim Carr will join the cabinet as the minister for innovation, industry, science and research and minister for higher education. Julie Collins will also join the cabinet as the minister responsible for housing and homelessness, community services, status of women and indigenous employment and economic development.

Catherine King will now serve in cabinet as the minister for regional Australia, local government and territories.

Joel Fitzgibbon, used to be chief party whip before the aborted Rudd challenge of party leadership in March, joins the cabinet as minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

As does Richard Marles as the minister for trade.

Tanya Plibersek will add medical research to her responsibilities as minister for health.

IANS