FED:Shorten, Roxon big winners from reshuffle

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2011
FED:Shorten, Roxon big winners from reshuffle

Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD has denied opposition claims that a new cabinet reshuffle
has been crafted to put her leadership on a more solid footing.

Ms GILLARD announced a raft of changes to her ministerial line-up today, which she
says will give Labor new focus and energy heading into 2012.

Of the big winners, BILL SHORTEN will replace CHRIS EVANS as workplace relations minister,
current Health Minister NICOLA ROXON will become Australia's first female attorney-general
and TANYA PLIBERSEK will come in as her replacement in Health.

GREG COMBET has added industry and innovation to his already heavy portfolio of climate
change, and will lead a newly expanded department of industry, innovation, science, research
and tertiary education with Senator EVANS.

The changes increase the size of cabinet from 20 to 22, but Ms GILLARD denies the expansion
was because she couldn't convince enough people to leave.

MARK ARBIB will take on the small business portfolio and the role of assistant treasurer,
in addition to his sports responsibilities.

AAP RTV cj/rl/ar

KEYWORD: MINISTRY (CANBERRA)

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