Malcolm Turnbull appoints new innovation minister as part of ministry reshuffle

Malcolm Turnbull has appointed Greg Hunt as the new minister for innovation, industry and science as part of the newly elected prime minister’s ministry reshuffle.

The former minister for the environment will take over from Christopher Pyne who has been moved to the defence industry portfolio.

Hunt has served as minister for the environment since September 2013.

Announced on Monday afternoon, Turnbull says Hunt will now guide the implementation of the government’s flagship National Innovation and Science Agenda.

“He has a keen understanding of innovation and a keen understanding of science and technology,” Turnbull said.

“He will give new leadership to that important portfolio.”

As part of the reshuffle, Craig Laundy will replaced the ousted Wyatt Roy as assistant minister for innovation, industry and science.

Laundy was the assistant minister for multicultural affairs under the previous Turnbull government.

Former minister for innovation Christopher Pyne will become the new minister for defence industry.

Pyne played a pivotal role in the creation of last year’s $1 billion innovation statement after taking on the portfolio after Turnbull became prime minister.

In a statement, Pyne says it was a “great honour” to serve as minister for innovation, industry and science and is “very proud” of what he achieved.

“This ground-breaking, whole of government agenda will give Australians greater ability to develop and commercialise their ideas and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the government to fully implement it in the months ahead,” Pyne says.

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