Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today announced his new ministry, marking the largest Australian Labor Party caucus since federation. With 92 Labor members in the House of Representatives—and the possibility of a few more after outstanding recounts—the prime minister says his expanded team embodies “capacity, talent and energy” to deliver on the government’s election promises.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for ministers—and for our entire caucus—to pursue an ambitious agenda to change this country for the better,”
PM Albanese told reporters in Canberra.
Senior Leaders Secure Key Portfolios
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles retains his role and adds the Defence portfolio, underscoring Labor’s commitment to national security and support for the ADF.
Senator Penny Wong will continue as Foreign Affairs Minister, while Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher remain in their pivotal economic roles. Don Farrell takes the newly combined Trade, Tourism and Special Minister of State brief, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening Australia’s global links.
“During the campaign, I confirmed these ministers would continue their responsibilities, and I’m grateful for their steady leadership,”
the prime minister said.
Several high-profile ministers will stay on in familiar roles:
Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence
Penny Wong, Foreign Affairs Minister
Jim Chalmers, Treasurer
Katy Gallaher, Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services
Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State.
Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, Cyber Security as well as the Arts
Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing, Disability and the NDIS
Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Jason Clare, Minister for Education
Michelle Rowland, Attorney-General
Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Social Services
Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Clare O’Neil, Minister for Housing, Homelessness as well as Minister for Cities
Madeleine King, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia
Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians
Annika Wells, Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport
Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland will take over from Mark Dreyfus, and Anne Aly joins cabinet as Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs—her appointment reflecting the government’s priority on diversity and global engagement.
New and Elevated Roles for Emerging Talent
Several first-term and mid-career MPs will step into cabinet for the first time, signalling a generational renewal within Labor’s ranks:
- Julian Hill as Assistant Minister for International Education, acknowledging the sector’s export importance
- Daniel Mulino as Assistant Treasurer, bolstering the economic team with his Yale-trained expertise
- Andrew Charlton as Cabinet Secretary, drawing on his experience as an international sherpa
- Annika Wells as Minister for Communications and Sport, ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Games
PM Albanese said these new roles—and the mix of continuity and fresh talent—would ensure his government remains responsive to both ongoing challenges and emerging priorities.
“We have the right people in the right places,” the prime minister asserted, noting that more than 57 per cent of the ministry are women—the highest proportion in Australian history.
In parallel, the Nationals are convening in Canberra to select their next leader. Deputy Prime Minister Marles’s elevation has emboldened a leadership challenge between David Littleproud and Matt Canavan, who has argued for revitalised urban messaging to reclaim city seats.
With the new cabinet set to be sworn in tomorrow morning, Mr Albanese emphasised that Labor would not take its electoral mandate for granted—and that swift action would follow as ministers meet to finalise implementation plans for policies ranging from cost-of-living relief to climate objectives and national security enhancements.
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