In Melbourne, Australia, the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled his new Cabinet lineup. This follows a controversy involving former minister Ed Husic, who attributed his removal from the Cabinet to his outspoken criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Albanese publicly announced the team of 30 lawmakers who will serve in Cabinet and other ministerial roles, following the center-left Labor Party’s sweeping success in the elections held on May 3. The Labor Party has secured 92 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, and with the tallying still in progress, Albanese indicated the possibility of gaining up to 95 seats in total.
This marks the highest number of seats held by Labor since the establishment of the Parliament in 1901. “The trust bestowed upon my government is deeply humbling, and we will not take it for granted,” Albanese stated during a press briefing at Parliament House.
While it is customary for the Labor prime ministers to assign ministerial roles, faction leaders within the party choose which lawmakers will fill these roles, proportionate to the seats each faction won.
The factional system, however, saw the exclusion of Husic, who was born to Bosnian Muslim immigrants in Sydney, and Mark Dreyfus, who is Jewish, from the new Cabinet lineup.
Husic, who holds the distinction of being sworn in on a Quran, expressed disappointment regarding Albanese’s lack of intervention to retain him and Dreyfus in Cabinet. He believed his removal partly stemmed from his stance on Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Speaking on the matter, Husic remarked, “You cannot champion diversity and then expect it to remain silent. You need to advocate for the communities you care about.”
When pressed by reporters on whether he fought for Husic or Dreyfus to remain, Albanese refrained from a direct response, instead noting the existing procedures within the Labor Party.
Albanese and Husic reportedly engaged in a “constructive discussion” regarding these developments. Albanese pointed out that the ministerial allocations followed long-standing practices endorsed by members, including Husic.
Bilal Rauf, from the Australian National Imams Council, urged Albanese to clarify if Husic’s demotion was influenced by his Gaza-related views. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, commented on past constructive relationships with both Husic and Dreyfus, noting concerns over statements made by Husic post the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
Following the attack, Husic had asserted, “Palestinians face collective punishment for Hamas’ actions,” which he reiterated with criticism over Israel’s management of the situation.
In a move signifying the rising diversity in the government, Anne Aly, born in Egypt, has been elevated to the Cabinet. She now holds the positions of Minister for Small Business, International Development, and Multicultural Affairs, making her the leading Muslim figure within the administration.
This marks the first Australian government since 2010 to not include a Jewish Cabinet minister.
Most senior governmental positions have seen minimal changes, with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles continuing as Defence Minister, and Tony Burke’s Home Affairs portfolio expanded to oversee the Australian Federal Police and the main domestic intelligence agency, Australian Security Intelligence Organization.
Tim Ayres, formerly an assistant trade minister, takes over Husic’s previous portfolio, while Michelle Rowland, who held the communications portfolio, succeeds Dreyfus.