Malcolm Turnbull will finalise a new-look ministry over the weekend featuring more women, more young MPs, and a new Treasurer, as an opinion poll shows the switch from Tony Abbott has propelled the Coalition back to equal standing with the ALP.
On his first full day after being sworn in on Tuesday, Mr Turnbull spoke by phone with US President Barack Obama, held a joint press conference with NSW Premier Mike Baird and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, after signing agreements to commence the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and fronted the government in Parliament.
“This marks a huge milestone towards the delivery of one of the largest social policy reforms in our nation’s history,” Mr Turnbull said.
While Mr Abbott remained away from the public eye and did not attend Parliament, one news outlet reported that he intends to remain in the Parliament, although for how long was unclear.
“It’s been a tumultuous week and I now intend to spend some time with my family to think about the future,” Mr Abbott told news.com.au.
“But my intention is to remain in the Parliament.”
A nationwide ReachTel Seven-West poll of just under 3300 voters taken on Tuesday night showed voters were flooding back to the Coalition under its new management, with Mr Turnbull catapulting ahead of Labor’s Bill Shorten as preferred prime minister with a lead of 61.9 per cent to 38.1 per cent.
The Coalition’s support has also rebounded for the first time in months with a primary vote of 43.3 per cent to Labor’s 35.9, making for a two-party-preferred share of the vote of 50-50 based on preference flows at the 2013 election.
That is better for the government than any of the past seven monthly polls in which the best it could do was 48-52, and it was generally much lower.
With a byelection in the West Australian seat of Canning to be decided on Saturday, the poll will give government MPs fresh confidence of not only holding the 11.8 per cent margin Liberal seat comfortably, but of using the byelection as a launch pad for a wider recovery with voters under Mr Turnbull’s more centrist leadership style.
Mr Turnbull sailed though his second question time without serious incident despite the contradiction of having Joe Hockey in the Treasury portfolio, when it is widely expected he is to be dumped.
But Labor was also claiming satisfaction after a series of questions were aimed at exposing the tensions between Mr Turnbull’s personal positions on such polices as same-sex marriage, climate change, and the republic, and those of his party.
But his biggest test yet still looms: dropping long-standing ministers and elevating new talent in a sweeping reshuffle aimed at modernising the government, and positioning it to deliver another budget and then fight the 2016 election.
Mr Hockey has all but confirmed he is willing to serve in another portfolio, freeing Mr Turnbull’s hand to promote the current Social Services Minister Scott Morrison.
“I will be making announcements about future ministerial arrangements later. I expect the new ministry, with some changes, to be sworn in on Monday,” Mr Turnbull said.
“There is no greater enthusiast than me for seeing more women in positions of power and influence in Parliament, in ministries right across the country. I can assure you that. I am very committed to that but I am not going to say any more about the new ministerial arrangements.”
Mr Hockey confirmed he had spoken to the new Prime Minister on his future but refused to be drawn on the detail of these discussions.
“I have had discussions with the PM. We will leave it at that and see what happens,” he said.
It is understood Immigration Minister Peter Dutton offered his resignation to Mr Turnbull on Monday night after the leadership change, but it has yet to be accepted.
Appearing to offer a public assurance of his future contribution, Mr Hockey described himself as “instinctively a loyal person”.
“You know that,” he said, “and I see the job that I have as one being loyal to the Australian people.
“I have always been loyal and supportive of leaders. And that is not going to change.”
Other ministers are also being considered with Mr Turnbull’s new line-up likely to include several new faces, including more women.
Speculation has it that Education Minister Christopher Pyne could get defence and Arthur Sinodinos – a key backer of Mr Turnbull – could be installed as cabinet secretary, possibly in conjunction with a ministry.
Assistant minister Michaelia Cash could move up to the immigration portfolio, while junior ministers Marise Payne, Josh Frydenberg and Mitch Fifield could move into the cabinet.
Former Howard government minister Mal Brough and parliamentary secretaries Kelly O’Dwyer and Christian Porter are also featuring in discussions around the outer ministry.
Employment Minister Eric Abetz and current Defence Minister Kevin Andrews, both Tony Abbott loyalists, have been mentioned as possible demotions, though they, too, have indicated a desire to remain.
Mr Turnbull is also busily constructing his new Prime Minister’s Office, with one of Australia’s most respected economists, Martin Parkinson, floated as a possible chief of staff.
Fairfax Media understands Dr Parkinson’s name has been bandied about by Turnbull confidantes and strategists but the key appointment remains a long-shot.
“He’s obviously brilliant,” a source said.
“There are names being thrown around. Don’t put a huge amount of weight on it [Dr Parkinson] though.”
While Mr Turnbull’s ascension has promised a less combative approach to politics, that went out the window on Wednesday evening when Labor MPs attending an NBN “showcase” event touted as non-political were angered by Mr Turnbull’s comments branding the giant project a disaster when he had assumed control. After heckling the new PM, they walked out in protest.
source:smh.com.au
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