Canning MP Andrew Hastie has been appointed Assistant Minister for Defence in a ministerial reshuffle.
Canning MP Andrew Hastie has been appointed Assistant Minister for Defence.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement this morning, as part of a ministerial reshuffle.
Mr Morrison described as "rubbish" a suggestion that Mr Hastie's elevation to a ministerial position sent a signal that those who took the hardest line on China would be rewarded.
Mr Hastie's fellow WA Liberal Steve Irons has lost his position, relinquishing the role of Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships.
And Ben Morton, an Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, will also take on responsibility for the Public Service.
Dan Tehan will take over as Trade Minister, while Alan Tudge takes Mr Tehan's Education portfolio.
Meanwhile, Greg Hunt will take the majority of the Aged Care portfolio from Tasmanian Richard Colbeck, who will now have Aged Care Services. Mr Hunt retains the Health Ministry.
As widely expected, Simon Birmingham will replace the retiring Mathias Cormann as Finance Minister.
Queensland Senator Amanda Stoker has also been promoted to the frontbench as an Assistant Minister to Attorney-General, Christian Porter, while Victorian Jane Hume has also been promoted and adds the Digital Economy portfolio to her Financial Services and Superannuation responsibilities.
Paul Fletcher will take on responsibilities for Urban Infrastructure and Cities in addition to Communications and the Arts.
David Coleman will be Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister with responsibility for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Housing Minister and Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar adds the Homelessness and Community Housing portfolio, Alex Hawke takes on Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, while Zed Seselja also adds the International Development and Pacific portfolios.
Jonathon Duniam will become the Assistant Minister for Industry Development.
