Albanese Reshuffles Cabinet Ahead of Election

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reshuffled his cabinet ahead of the 2025 federal election following the retirement of Bill Shorten, the former NDIS and Government Services Minister, who is set to become vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will assume Shorten's role overseeing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), supported by Youth Minister Anne Aly as the junior NDIS minister. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher will take on the expanded portfolio of Government Services, while Aged Care and Sports Minister Anika Wells has been promoted to the cabinet. Albanese praised Wells for her contributions to aged care reform and acknowledged the reshuffle aimed at showcasing new leadership without significant upheaval in ministerial roles. The changes reflect a commitment to address the challenges faced by the NDIS, with Rishworth tasked with curbing costs and improving services. The new cabinet appointments are expected to be formalized in a swearing-in ceremony on January 20.