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Senator Linda Reynolds has been officially sworn in as Australia’s new Defence Minister by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
The swearing-in ceremony of the ministry, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison named over the weekend, took place at Government House in Canberra on Wednesday.
Prior to the May 18 2019 election, Senator Reynolds was Minister for Defence Industry, which she had held since March 2018 following the resignation of Stephen Ciobo. The Prime Minister had named Senator Reynolds to take over from Pyne should the Coalition be returned to government.
It is a great honour and a privilege to be appointed to Cabinet as Minister for Defence in a Morrison Government. I am proud to serve in this new role and stand with our Prime Minister in helping protect our interests here and abroad. pic.twitter.com/ydvSz3asDS
— Linda Reynolds (@lindareynoldswa) May 26, 2019
Senator Reynolds was an Australian Army Reserve officer from 1984 to 2012, rising to the rank of Brigadier, and was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2011 Australia Day honours list. She is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College, and the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies.
She has held the roles of Senior Training and Development Officer, Army Command and Staff Training College Command; Project Director/Strategic Performance and training Analyst, Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex; Commanding Officer, 5th Combat Support Battalion; Military Instructor, Army Command and Staff College; Project Director, Army-based Accountability Model Implementation Project; Director Army Strategic Reform Program; and Army Adjutant General.
Among the other portfolios, Alex Hawke was promoted to the position of Assistant Defence Minister, while Melissa Price was given the Minister for Defence Industry portfolio, having been Environment Minister prior to the election.
I am very honoured to be appointed Minister for Defence Industries. An important portfolio as the Government continues to roll Defence White Paper. I am particularly proud that I will be working with friend, colleague and fellow West Aussie @lindareynoldswa
— Melissa Price MP (@Melissa4Durack) May 26, 2019
National Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack remains Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, which is responsible for aviation-related matters.
Proud to be sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Development.
It’s an honour to serve the people of Australia.
Thank you to those who have put their trust in me to continue to fight & deliver for communities across the nation. pic.twitter.com/hUBhFtbVx2
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) May 29, 2019
Meanwhile, McCormack’s Nationals colleague Darren Chester will continue as Minister for veterans Affairs portfolio.
Good to be with my great mate @KenWyattMP as we are sworn into the Ministry today at Government House. Ken is set to become our nation’s first indigenous Minister for Indigenous Australians. He will make a difference. #auspol pic.twitter.com/GdQQEVAc6g
— Darren Chester MP (@DarrenChesterMP) May 29, 2019
