Minister Ed Husic Criticizes Deputy PM Marles After Cabinet Removal

Ed Husic, a former Australian Industry Minister and the first Muslim MP and minister, has publicly criticized Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, labeling him a "factional assassin" following his removal from the frontbench. Husic accused Marles of wielding factional power to reshape the ministry, which led to Husic and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus being ousted, with Husic suggesting his outspoken stance on the Gaza conflict partly contributed to his demotion. He expressed disappointment that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not intervene in the factional decisions and described the handling of the reshuffle as abrupt and destabilizing. Despite stepping down voluntarily to avoid a factional ballot, Husic indicated he hopes to continue contributing, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, and did not rule out a future return to Cabinet. The situation reveals renewed factional infighting within the Labor Party, which had been relatively subdued during Albanese's first term. Husic called for stronger leadership and constructive management within the party as it prepares to undertake major reforms in its second term.