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Australian Opposition Introduces Trump-Style ‘Government Efficiency’ Position to New Shadow Cabinet


The new shadow foreign affairs minister will be David Coleman, a NSW MP.

Peter Dutton has introduced a revamped front bench, which now includes a government efficiency portfolio inspired by Donald Trump.

During a press conference in Cairns, the opposition leader announced that Sydney-based MP David Coleman will take over as shadow foreign affairs minister, replacing retiring Senator Simon Birmingham.

Dutton also named Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price as the shadow minister for government efficiency, a move likely influenced by Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.

This department, led by Elon Musk, aims to streamline government programs and spending, although it is not an official agency.

“There’s been a lot of wasteful spending in the past two and a half years, with $6 billion annually going towards 36,000 new public servants in Canberra who provide no real benefit to the people of Cairns and regional communities,” Dutton told the press.

Senator Price will now handle both the Indigenous Australians portfolio and the new government efficiency role, after successfully opposing the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

In the meantime, Coleman will oversee foreign affairs following Senator Birmingham’s decision to leave parliament in the upcoming federal election.

“It’s time for a change of government in this country to get us back on track, including rebuilding international relations,” Dutton emphasized.

Coleman previously served in a communications role, which will now be taken on by NSW MP Melissa McIntosh. With a substantial Chinese-Asian community in his electorate of Banks, Coleman brings a unique perspective to the foreign affairs portfolio.

Other changes include Senator Claire Chandler taking over the government services and digital economy portfolio from Paul Fletcher, who is also stepping down at the election.

South Australian MP Tony Pasin will focus on roads and road safety, while NSW MP Julian Leeser and Senator Matt O’Sullivan will assume shadow assistant minister roles in foreign affairs and education, respectively.

Leeser parted ways with the coalition frontbench in 2023 over opposition to the Voice to Parliament proposal, championing the fight against antisemitism in Australia.

Senator Kerrynne Liddle will expand her responsibilities to include the shadow minister for Indigenous Health Services in addition to her existing portfolios in child protection and prevention of family violence.

Queensland MP Ted O’Brien will now oversee energy affordability and reliability alongside his climate change and energy duties.

MP Michael Sukkar will be the Manager of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives.

By Alex Mitchell.



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