Indigenous Affairs a single portfolio under Abbott ministry (original) (raw)

More than a week after winning the election, the Prime Minister elect Tony Abbott has announced his front bench.

Northern Territory Senator Nigel Scullion has, as expected, been appointed the Minister for Indigenous Affairs.

Nigel Scullion will be the Indigenous Affairs Minister, with the administration of the portfolio moving into the Department of Prime Minister.

It will be the only portfolio responsibility Mr Scullion has which is in contrast to the last government, Jenny Macklin was the minister for families, community services, Indigenous Affairs, and the Minister for Disability reform.

Under the Rudd Government there were three separate Ministers for Indigenous affairs, health and employment.

But Mr Abbott says he wants to simplify the titles, but that doesn't necessarily mean the jobs.

"You can see I've tried to simplify the sometimes grandiose titles of the previous government"

The Prime Minister Elect has come under fire on social media for the lack of women on his front bench.

Julie Bishop is the Foreign Minister and there are four women in the outer Ministry.

Mr Abbott says if Sophie Mirabella won her seat then should would also have a space on the front bench.

The Ministry is expected to be sworn in on Wednesday.