After the recent federal election Sussan Ley has announced a new-look, but familiar, shadow cabinet. This change follows recent turbulence inside the Coalition, including the resignation of former shadow home affairs minister Andrew Hastie. Julian Leeser resigns from shadow attorney-generalship. He moves to the post of shadow education minister. Queensland MP Andrew Wallace has been set to replace Leeser as shadow attorney-general.
He’s personally developed a strong reputation as the parliament’s leading lawyer long before this amendment. In addition to previous experience as a private practice solicitor, he has worked as a special advisor to former-Attorney-General Philip Ruddock. His leadership on the legal affairs committee has only made his credentials more bulletproof. His decision to resign respects the continuing commitment to the new direction laid out by Ley.
Changes in Leadership
Andrew Hastie’s resignation from the Coalition frontbench marks a significant shift in the party’s dynamics. He has moved to the backbench after stepping down from his role, stating, “The leader has made it clear that the shadow home affairs minister won’t lead the Coalition’s response to immigration matters or develop the Coalition’s immigration strategy.” This announcement is a reminder of how quickly the GOP’s approach to immigration has changed in the current, still-unfolding debate.
Since Hastie’s departure, Jonathon Duniam has become the new shadow home affairs minister. Fortunately, this bold move has a champion in the form of new Tasmanian senator, Peter Whish-Wilson. Transport Minister Sussan Ley said she had personal confidence in Duniam’s ability. She expects he’ll bring crucial insights, analysis and perspectives to bear on national security issues.
Controversies and Resignations
The reshuffle also marked the exit of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. She lost her job over it, due to her failure to publicly back Ley’s leadership. Immigration Price recently set off a firestorm in Australia with her comments on the Australia’s immigration program. She said it was being gerrymandered in order to increase voting strength by introducing more Indian migrants. This point of criticism drew considerable public outcry and arguably led to her ouster from the shadow cabinet.
James Paterson commented on Price’s situation, stating, “Political careers are not linear anymore; they have fits and starts, and forward steps and back steps, and I am confident Jacinta will be back in a prominent role in due course.” This comment means that she’s out of the running at this point. That said, there may still be chances for her to engage the party going forward.
New Appointments and Future Directions
In concert with these changes, Sussan Ley has announced further appointments to bolster the party’s education and communications focus. Former Glasgow councillor Zoe McKenzie has been on point as the new shadow cabinet secretary. She will additionally be the shadow assistant minister for education and early childhood. Aaron Violi takes up the reins as shadow assistant minister for communications. This move is yet another sign of a smart, strategic effort to increase public engagement on these education and communication beats.
Ley mein’d Andrew Wallace as leader of a national security lobby. She stated, “Mr. Wallace has fiercely advocated for Australia’s national security interests and advanced many initiatives to protect Australians … he is well-credentialed to serve in this specialist shadow cabinet position.” Productive endorsement This Oscar-nominated documentary is a great introduction to Wallace’s experience as a smart, ethical leader ready to leap into life at the City level.
