Craig Laundy appointed new small business minister in cabinet reshuffle

A cabinet reshuffle has resulted in a new national small business minister, with former Assistant Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science, Craig Laundy, taking over the position from Nationals MP Michael McCormack.

In a ministry update this afternoon, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull highlighted the importance of a team that would bring “new skills and energy to the front bench” in a quest for job creation.

Laundy will become Minister for Small and Family Business, Workplaces and Deregulation, as well as taking on industrial relations responsibilities previously held in the workplace portfolio.

LIVE: Ministry update https://t.co/Zzl8HwnBz3

— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) December 19, 2017

Meanwhile, a new portfolio focused on “Jobs and Innovation” will be handed to former Employment Minister Michaelia Cash. Industry Minister Arthur Sinodinos, formerly in the innovation role, has stepped down from his role in cabinet for health reasons.

Revenue and Financial services Minister Kelly O’Dwyer will also take on the role of Minister for Women, which was previously held by Cash.

Other notable changes include backbencher David Littleproud taking on the agriculture portfolio, as Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce steps into the role of Minister for Infrastructure.

Never miss a story: sign up to SmartCompany’s free daily newsletter and find our best stories on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.