Following the resignation of Senator the Honourable Ian Campbell as Minister for Human Services, His Excellency the Governor-General has agreed to my announcing the following changes to the Ministry.
Senator the Honourable Chris Ellison will be appointed Minister for Human Services and become a member of the Cabinet. Senator Ellison has had extensive experience in a number of portfolios, most recently as a highly successful Minister for Justice and Customs.
Senator David Johnston will be appointed Minister for Justice and Customs. Since his entry to Parliament Senator Johnston has made a strong contribution in the Senate where he has been an active and effective representative of the people of Western Australia.
Senator the Honourable Eric Abetz, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation will be appointed Manager of Government Business in the Senate.
The Honourable Joe Hockey MP will replace Senator Campbell as a member of the Expenditure Review Committee.
I want to thank Senator Campbell for his work as Minister for Human Services and prior to that as Minister for the Environment and Heritage and as Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads.
The swearing in of new Ministers will take place on Friday, 9 March 2007.