HOWARD RESHUFFLES MINISTRY
Tuckey Dumped, Alston Retires, Patterson Demoted, Abbott Moves To Health, Vanstone To Immigration, Ruddock To Attorney-General
September 29, 2003
A surprise major reshuffle of the Federal Ministry has been announced this morning by the Prime Minister, John Howard. Wilson Tuckey has been sacked and Senator Richard Alston is to retire. Two newcomers, Julie Bishop and Ian Campbell, both of whom are regarded as supporters of Peter Costello, will enter the ministry.
In a sign of concern about a growing sense of drift and complacency in the government, Howard has demoted Kay Patterson and moved Tony Abbott to Health. Patterson becomes Minister for Family and Community Services, replacing Senator Amanda Vanstone who is promoted to Immigration, replacing the long-serving Phillip Ruddock. Ruddock becomes Attorney-General, whilst Daryl Williams becomes Communications Minister, replacing Richard Alston. Alston is to retire soon from the Senate.
A major promotion goes to Kevin Andrews, the Minister for Ageing, who replaces Tony Abbott in Workplace Relations.
The major victim of the reshuffle is the boorish and hapless Wilson Tuckey. He has been dumped as Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government, following the scandal over his use of his ministerial office to assist his son in a traffic offence.
Howard said the reshuffle indicated the government's "absolute determination" to avoid any image of "passivity".
The reshuffle takes effect on October 7.
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