Liberal MP Alex Hawke, one of the party’s most senior Greek Australians, is expected to return to a prominent frontbench role as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley prepares to unveil her new-look shadow cabinet this week.
Hawke, whose mother hails from the northern Greek village of Chortiatis, retained his seat of Mitchell in New South Wales at the recent federal election — an outcome seen as significant amid the broader collapse of the Liberal vote nationally.
A former cabinet minister under Scott Morrison and long-time party strategist, Hawke is a key ally of Ley and is widely tipped to be rewarded with a senior shadow portfolio, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The move comes as Ley finalises negotiations with Nationals leader David Littleproud following a brief but public rift between the Coalition partners.
Sources close to the party say Ley is seeking to “promote across the party room” as part of a long-term renewal strategy, with room made for rising figures such as Zoe McKenzie, Angie Bell, and Tim Wilson (pending a recount in Goldstein). However, experienced MPs such as Hawke are also being positioned to help stabilise and guide the party in opposition.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
