‘No individual is greater than the collective': Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls for humility ahead of cabinet reshuffle
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese foreshadowed changes to his frontbench, calling for humility ahead of new ministerial appointments after the election.
The federal election delivered a boost to the Labor Left which has outnumbered the Right in caucus for the first time.
Following the development, Mr Albanese has told Sky News that 'no individual is greater than the collective' as factional jockeying intensifies.
Party factions choose the pool of ministers for the cabinet and Mr Albanese allocates portfolios to the nominees.
'We have a process and we'll work it through,' Mr Albanese said on Thursday, ahead of the Labor Party caucus meeting on Friday.
'The important thing is… for most of the 125 years since Federation, we've sat at the other end of the corridor in the old place, in the opposition party room.
'Government brings with it responsibility, and no individual is greater than the collective — that includes myself.'
The reshuffle follows the retirements of former NDIS and government services minister Bill Shorten and former assistant treasurer Stephen Jones.
Mr Albanese is not expected to significantly overhaul his frontbench but some new faces are likely to be elevated.
'We have an incredible team and a caucus that's full of talent… People have opportunities to contribute to the team in a range of ways,' he said.
NSW Senator Tim Ayres, a left faction powerbroker, is seen as a near-certainty for promotion after reportedly stepping aside to allow female promotion in the past.
Another likely new minister is incoming Tasmanian MP Rebecca White, a former state Labor opposition leader who made the transition to federal politics.
Mr Albanese handpicked Ms White to contest the seat of Lyons after the retirement of former MP Brian Mitchell.
One of the more contentious topics of reshuffle speculation has been the future of Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek.
There has been rumours Ms Plibersek may be moved to the NDIS portfolio following her demotion from the education portfolio to environment, which she currently holds.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong told Sky News any frontbench changes would be "a matter for the caucus and the Prime Minister".
'The Prime Minister has made clear his view about some of the senior leadership and us staying in our roles,' she said on Tuesday.
'Beyond that, the decision will be for caucus and for the Prime Minister about which portfolios he allocates.'
Other names being mentioned for promotion include Bruce MP Julian Hill, Parramatta MP Andrew Charlton and Fraser MP Daniel Mulino.
Mr Albanese promoted exclusively women in the last round of promotions, including Katy Gallagher, Anne Aly, Anika Wells and Amanda Rishworth.
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