In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Amanda Rishworth has been appointed the new Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), following Bill Shorten‘s retirement from parliament.
Rishworth, currently serving as the Social Services Minister, will oversee the NDIS portfolio, with Anne Aly continuing her role as Early Childhood Minister and assisting Rishworth in the new position.
Shorten’s departure, effective Monday, marks the end of his 17-year political career. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Shorten’s contributions to the NDIS, vowing to uphold Labor’s commitment to people with disabilities, families, and carers.
“When Labor established the NDIS, we made a promise… we will keep that promise,” Albanese said.
The reshuffle also sees Katy Gallagher, Finance Minister, take on Shorten’s Government Services portfolio, which includes overseeing services like Centrelink.
In a move aimed at gender balance, Anika Wells, Minister for Sport and Aged Care, has been promoted to cabinet, making the frontbench an equal split of men and women for the first time.
Wells’ promotion comes amid internal tensions in the caucus, particularly from Victorian members, as her appointment follows Shorten’s exit.
The reshuffle continues the government’s focus on improving support for people with disabilities and addressing the growing costs of the NDIS.
Source: ABC News.
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