Australian Prime Minister Announces Major Cabinet Reshuffle

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a cabinet reshuffle after two senior ministers declared their retirements. The reshuffle aims to refresh the team ahead of the next election in 2025. Key changes include Tony Burke taking several new portfolios and shifts in housing, immigration, and indigenous affairs roles.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a significant cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, following the retirement plans of two senior ministers. The reshuffle, the first since the Labor Party took power in May 2022, aims to rejuvenate the team before the next election anticipated in 2025.

Albanese confirmed in a televised media conference that he expects this revamped team to lead the party into the forthcoming election. Among the notable changes, Tony Burke, currently arts minister, will also oversee the crucial portfolios of home affairs, immigration, multicultural affairs, and cyber security.

Other key shifts include Clare O'Neil transitioning from home affairs and cyber security to housing and homelessness, while immigration minister Andrew Giles will assume the role of skills and training. Senator Malarndirri McCarthy will take over as minister for indigenous Australians. These changes were prompted by the retirement announcements of long-serving Labor ministers Brendan O'Connor and Linda Burney, whom Albanese praised for their extensive contributions to the nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)