Ms Plibersek, who has a frosty relationship with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese despite being one of Labor’s most senior women, has been shifted from her environment and water portfolio to social services.
Murray Watt is the new Environment and Water Minister, with Amanda Rishworth taking his employment and workplace relations portfolio.
Senator Watt became Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister after the 2022 election, before being moved to employment and workplace relations in the July 2024 reshuffle. He is from Queensland.
Tasmanian Julie Collins has retained the agriculture portfolio, which she has held since July 2024.
Chris Bowen will stay as Climate and Energy Minister and Don Farrell has retained the trade portfolio.
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomed the news Julie Collins was returning as Agriculture Minister, and Anthony Chisholm was continuing as assistant minister.
NFF president David Jochinke said both brought valuable experience and a sound understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities.
“We need strong leadership to tackle the big issues facing farmers, and that work must start now,” Mr Jochinke said.
The NFF also congratulated Don Farrell on retaining the trade portfolio, and welcomed the appointment of Murray Watt to environment and water.
“We’re calling on the Prime Minister and Minister Collins to visit drought-hit regions within the government’s first 30 days,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Farmers are doing it tough and they need to see leadership on the ground.
“Minister Farrell has done an outstanding job working for farmers in trade. As we continue to face trade disruptions, we look forward to continuing to work with him on access to key markets.
“We look forward to working with Minister Watt to better understand the government’s plans on environmental regulation, water and nature repair, which have huge implications for landholders.
“Minister Watt developed a strong understanding of farmers’ needs during his time in the agriculture portfolio. We expect he’ll bring that insight to his new role.
“We’re also ready to partner with the government to progress a right to repair for agricultural machinery, a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation, and the National Food Security Strategy.”
GrainGrowers was also quick to welcome Ms Collin’s reappointment.
Chair Rhys Turton said GrainGrowers looked forward to maintaining a strong working relationship with Ms Collins.
“As an apolitical representative organisation, our approach is always to engage with government constructively to help build stronger grain regions and bridge the gap between urban centres and the bush,” Mr Turton said.
“While our sector faces challenges, we would encourage the minister to embrace the opportunity to implement sensible policies that can drive positive change and make a real difference in regional Australia.”
The ministry will be sworn in at Government House in Canberra on Tuesday.
Parliament is set to resume in July, with legislation cutting student debt by 20 per cent the first cab off the rank.
– with AAP.
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