New federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has today unveiled a reshaped shadow ministry that includes five Western Australian MPs and a return of several Howard government-era ministers.
The reshuffle comes a week after Mr Abbott was elected as the national Liberal Party leader, ousting Malcolm Turnbull who refused to change his position on agreed amendments to the Rudd government's emissions trading scheme legislation despite staunch opposition.
In announcing the new line-up, Mr Abbott said the new shadow ministry will "deliver a real alternative at the next election".
The key WA MP appointments went to Deputy Leader and member for Curtin Julie Bishop, who will retain the Shadow Foreign Affairs Portfolio, and Senator David Johnston will continue as Shadow Minister for Defence.
Member for Canning, Don Randall, will continue to serve as the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Transport and Senator Mathias Cormann has been promoted to Shadow Minister for Employment Participation, Apprenticeships and Training.
Member for Stirling Michael Keenan has made way for vocal Mr Abbott supporter Eric Abetz, who will take on the employment and workplace relations portfolio.
Mr Keenan will take on responsibilities as Shadow Minister for Justice and Customes.
"As a West Australian member, Michael knows the pressures placed on his home state by the Rudd Government's recent failure to protect our borders," Mr Abbott said.
Meantime, several former Howard government-era minister have made a return to the shadow ministry, with former Attorney General Phillip Ruddock agreeing to act as Mr Abbott's Shadow Cabinet Secretary.
Kevin Andrews, who implemented the WorkChoices reforms, has today been announced as the Shadow Minister for Families, Housing and Human Services.
Brownyn Bishop, who looked after the aged care portfolio among others during the Howard government, will be Shadow Minister for Seniors.
Outspoken Senator Barnaby Joyce has been named as the Shadow Minister for Finance and Debt Reduction.
