Minister Of Defense And Attorney General Stumbles On Scandal, Australia Breaks Cabinet

PM Australia Scott Morrison. (Wikimedia Commons/Australian Embassy Jakarta)

JAKARTA - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced his cabinet reshuffle on Monday March 29. A number of important positions in the cabinet have changed.

This reshuffle cannot be separated from the criticism that has come against his government in connection with a series of allegations related to violations in parliament, sexual harassment and discrimination against women.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that his cabinet set a new record by having seven women ministers. This is in line with the appointment of five new women ministers.

"I've always wanted to make sure there is a strong voice from women in my government, and that's there. But I think what we announced today is more than that," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

"I have very capable women operating in a very important portfolio," he added.

Two positions that have attracted attention are the Minister of Defense and the Attorney General, two positions that were highlighted because previous officials were accused of not wearing them.

Linda Reynolds will leave the position of Secretary of Defense, replaced by Peter Dutton who was previously Minister of the Interior. Reynolds has been criticized over allegations of rape by his staff two years ago.

Next, Christian Porter will be replaced as Attorney General and Minister of Industrial Relations by Michaelia Cash, who was promoted from the post of Minister of Manpower, Skills and Small Business. Porter is the subject of historical rape allegations he denies and is currently on mental health leave.

This cabinet reshuffle also resulted in a new ministry, the Ministry of Women's Safety and Women's Economic Security which will be led by Foreign Minister Marise Payne, reported 9News.

Meanwhile, the names of other women include Anne Ruston (Minister of Women's Security), Melissa Price, Jane Hume, and Amanda Stoker who was promoted as Assistant Minister for Women, in addition to her position as Assistant Attorney General.

For your information, Christian Porter has been transferred from Attorney General to the position of Industrial Science and Technology. Meanwhile Linda Reynolds shifted to the role of NDIS and government service. Both remain in the cabinet of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"It is a great honor and privilege to serve as Attorney General and Minister of Industrial Transportation. Given the false claims made about me by ABC, I have no alternative but to launch a defamation process and I have no regrets taking that action," said Porter.

"The actions of the Federal Court will allow the veracity of the claims made by ABC to be tested. I hope this matter is determined in a procedurally fair process with true evidentiary rules," he hoped.