Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a reshuffle of the Coalition’s frontbench, promoting senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price as another senior Liberal reveals plans to quit parliament.
Former home affairs minister Karen Andrews will retire at the next federal election, rather than trigger a by-election.
Ms Andrews, who represents the Gold Coast seat of McPherson, was first elected in 2010.
She was a cabinet minister from 2018 until the fall of the Morrison government at the 2022 election.
The decision, which she will announce on the Gold Coast later on Tuesday, came about an hour ahead of Mr Dutton’s announcement in Adelaide of his reshuffled frontbench.
The move was partly triggered by the departure last week of Liberal MP Julian Leeser, who held the shadow attorney-general and Indigenous Australians ministries, so he could campaign in favour of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament – against Mr Dutton’s opposition to it.
Ms Andrews’ decision to step down was unexpected – and, she has said, unrelated to the Voice. But Mr Dutton denied she had been pushed.
“Karen made a decision that she wasn’t going to contest the next election,” he said.
“She said to me, at the time of the next reshuffle she would be happy to stand aside.
“She’ll be missed and I wish her every success.”
Ms Andrews, who represents the Gold Coast seat of McPherson, was first elected in 2010.
She was a cabinet minister from 2018 until the fall of the Morrison government at the 2022 election.
Senator Nampijinpa Price is a Country Liberal Party senator who sits with the National Party in federal parliament. She does not support the Voice to Parliament.
Mr Dutton described her as a “fighter”.
“She’s a warrior for Indigenous Australians and she’s a very proud [Northern] Territorian,” he said.
“She’s always fought hard to improve the lives of Indigenous women and kids, and we’ve seen that just in recent days.
“I know that she’ll do an outstanding job in leading the charge, but better practical outcomes for Indigenous Australians, not through the prime minister’s Canberra voice bureaucracy.”
Senator Price, a vocal campaigner against the Voice, said she was “humbled and grateful” to be elevated to the Indigenous Australians portfolio.
“I have worked hard over many, many years to effect change in an area that I’m deeply passionate about. Throughout my life, I understand the trials and tribulations of those who are nearest and dearest to me and I will continue to fight for those marginalised Australians going forward,” she said.
In other shadow cabinet moves announced on Tuesday, James Paterson will take over as opposition home affairs spokesman and Michaelia Cash will return to the role of shadow attorney-general. South Astralian senator Kerryanne Liddle will join the outer ministry as spokeswoman for child protection and prevention of family violence.
– with AAP
