Albanese announces Labor cabinet reshuffle as Shorten exits

Anthony Albanese is shaking up his leadership team amid a cabinet void left by Bill Shorten’s exit from politics.

Mr Shorten holds the ministerial portfolios for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Government Services.

The Prime Minister announced on Thursday Amanda Rishworth would take over from Mr Shorten as NDIS minister in addition to her role as Social Services minister.

Meanwhile, Dr Anne Aly will become assistant minister for the NDIS.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher will take up Mr Shorten’s Government Services portfolio.

But Aged Care Minister Anika Wells came out as a clear winner, with Mr Albanese promoting her to cabinet.

Speaking to reporters in Canberra, he praised Ms Wells, crediting her for major reforms to aged care secured last year.

“There are literally millions of hours of additional care being given to our older Australians who deserve to live their later years with dignity and with respect,” Mr Albanese said.

“My government has been determined to deliver just that and Anika Wells has done an outstanding job as the minister, as well as in her sport portfolio.”

He said he will meet with Governor-General Sam Mostyn to formally make the recommendations on Thursday morning.

The monarch’s representative will need to rubber stamp the proposed appointments.

Mr Albanese also paid tribute to Mr Shorten, who will go on to be vice-chancellor at the University of Canberra after 17 years in parliament.

He said the former Labor leader had made a “tangible positive difference ... to the lives of Australians all over the country”.

“We acknowledge his service, in particular six years of having the honour of leading the Australian Labor Party, but as an effective minister, as an advocate throughout the Labor Movement, not just the parliamentary wing, but also as a leader of the trade union movement through the Australian Workers Union,” Mr Albanese said.

The reshuffle comes months out from this year’s federal election, with polls pointing to a tough fight between Labor and Coalition.

More to come.