February 6, 2020
As expected, Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has been given back his old job as Agriculture Minister in Thursday’s portfolio reshuffle by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Mr Littleproud, who was elected Deputy Leader of the National Party in a party room vote on Tuesday, was Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources from December 2017 to May 2019 when Senator Bridget McKenzie took over the role.
At that time, Mr Littleproud took on the position as Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management.
However, the Agriculture portfolio became vacant at the weekend following the resignation of Senator McKenzie in the wake of an investigation into the handling of sports grants which occurred while she was Sports Minister.
Senator McKenzie resigned from her Cabinet positions but will remain as Leader of the Nationals in the Senate.
As well as taking back Agriculture in the reshuffle, Mr Littleproud will retain the portfolios of Drought and Emergency Management
In other portfolio moves announced on Thursday, Victorian MP Darren Chester and Queensland MP Keith Pitt have both been promoted to Cabinet.
Mr Pitt, the Member for Hinkler, will take over Senator Matt Canavan’s former role as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia as well as taking on the Water role.
Mr Chester will retain his Veterans Affairs portfolio, but the position has been shifted from the Outer Ministry into Cabinet.
- Related article: Littleproud Elected Deputy
