Rudd Ministry is balance of fresh faces and old hands

“We look forward to continuing to work constructively with Deputy Prime Minister elect, Julia Gillard, who has been given responsibility for two of the biggest issues on the Rudd Government’s agenda: education and workplace relations.  As the Prime Minister elect has stressed, these two areas are central to good economic management both in the short and medium term.  Adroit approaches will be very important if the Labor Government’s objectives are to be met.

 “The incoming Treasurer, Wayne Swan, has demonstrated as Shadow Minister a willingness to actively engage with business and an understanding of the global challenges we face – both qualities which will serve him well in his new position.

“From an industry perspective, a number of other portfolio areas are particularly relevant.  These include innovation and industry, foreign affairs, trade, defence, environment, communications, immigration, infrastructure and business regulation.

“The new Ministers responsible for these portfolios are well known to us. We warmly congratulate them on their appointments and we look forward to a positive and constructive relationship in the months ahead,” Ridout added.