Andrews takes over at Home Affairs as Dutton moves into Defence

Australian Prime Minster Scott Morrison has reshuffled his ministry on Monday, with ministers Christian Porter and Linda Reynolds that are currently away on leave remaining in the ministry.

After being the first Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton has been shifted to Defence and become the government’s leader in the House of Representatives.

Taking Dutton’s place is Karen Andrews, who leaves the role of Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.

With Porter currently on leave and undertaking defamation action against the ABC over historical rape allegations, the Western Australian MP has handed many of his duties over to Senator Michaelia Cash. That arrangement was formalised on Monday, as Cash becomes Attorney-General, with Porter filling the role vacated by Andrews.

Also on leave is Senator Reynolds, however, Morrison has seen it fit to shift her from Defence to Minister for Government Services and NDIS.

Now former Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert will now be Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business. Asked why Stuart Robert should be promoted after overseeing robodebt, getting taxpayers to pay over AU$2,000 a month for his home internet, and falsely blaming a DDoS attack for government IT issues, Morrison pointed to the government’s ability to get money into the hands of citizens.

More to come