Politics

Here’s how the new Turnbull government will affect you

Jul 19, 2016

Now that we’ve moved past election drama, is there more waiting in the wings with the newly announced cabinet?

While Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s words suggest strength, some political experts suggest that his behaviour indicates weakness.

It seems that he is trying to put the dismal election campaign behind him and set a new agenda for governing rather than campaigning.

Barnaby Joyce retains his original portfolio, and the Nationals are the clear winners – with young Matt Canavan vaulting into cabinet as the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia.

Deputy Nationals Leader Senator Fiona Nash will add Local Government and Territories to her regional development role, while Kelly O’Dwyer’s title will change to Minister for Revenue and Financial Services.

Senator Scott Ryan will become Special Minister of State in the Finance portfolio, Michael McCormack will become the Minister for Small Business, in the Treasury portfolio.

Sussan Ley has retained the federal health portfolio as well as her position as Minister for Aged Care, with Ken Wyatt staying on as Assistant Minister for Health. Though there have been suggestions that Ms Ley might be “gagged” in her new role, it will be something to watch out for to see how she handles the role within the new government.

On the Liberal side, Turnbull had to promote conservatives — putting Peter Dutton back as a permanent member of the National Security Committee of cabinet, promoting Josh Frydenberg, putting Dan Tehan in security and giving a first-time place to ACT senator Zed Seselja. Some conservatives held a strong believe that rather than splitting the defence portfolio between Marise Payne and Christopher Pyne, Tony Abbott should have got the role – however he has been unsurprisingly left out of the cabinet.

While the new PM has enjoyed a lift in the polls following the win, many across the country are waiting to see what will happen in the policy space.

Speaking in his first in-depth interview post-election with Leigh Sales, the PM acknowledged the fact that there were people are not happy with the package and says “there is always consultation and work on transitional and implementation issues” but says that the changes are fairer for self-employed and older Australians.

Discussing everything from Mediscare to the marriage equality plebiscite on The 7:30 Report, Mr Turnbull said the public should judge the Government on ‘the delivery of the commitments we have made’, which include implementing the defence plan which has launched the $50 billion submarine program.

Rising prices, particularly in the Sydney and Melbourne markets, have put the question of housing affordability at the forefront of national debate. The debate that will have the biggest impact on property is the issue of tax reform.

While some political observers suggest that the 23-member cabinet have retained ministers for fear of creating enemies, others say that it is a smart leadership move.