Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced changes to his ministry lineup with Dan Tehan taking over as minister for trade and Alex Hawke set to step up as immigration minister.
The reshuffle has been triggered by the retirement of former finance minister Mathias Cormann, who is making a tilt at running the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Simon Birmingham has already taken on Mr Cormann’s finance role as well as leadership of the government in the Senate.
Mr Tehan – a former diplomat – will give up the education portfolio and take on the trade role as Australia grapples with increasingly strained ties with China.
The responsibilities for aged care have also been elevated to the cabinet in response to concerns raised by a royal commission into the sector.
Health Minister Greg Hunt is taking over these responsibilities from Richard Colbeck, after his performance in the role attracted criticism this year.
Senator Colbeck will retain responsibility for aged care services, senior Australians and sport
Alex Hawke was minister for international development and the Pacific before taking on his new role as the minister for immigration and citizenship.
This role has now been taken over by Zed Seselja.
David Coleman – who has been on personal leave this year – will return to parliament as assistant minister for the prime minister and suicide prevention.
Alan Tudge – who had acted as immigration minister in his absence – will adopt the role of minister for education and youth.
Former SAS soldier Andrew Hastie is also taking on the role of assistant minister for defence.
