Peter Dutton announces minor frontbench shake-up, promoting Luke Howarth to replace Stuart Robert

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a shake-up to his frontbench — promoting Queensland MP Luke Howarth to shadow assistant treasurer to replace Stuart Robert nearly a year after his resignation.

Mr Howarth has also been appointed to the role of shadow minister for financial services, while NSW politicians Melissa McIntosh and Andrew Bragg have been moved to the shadow ministry.

Ms McIntosh becomes the shadow minister for energy affordability and Western Sydney with the move expected to help protect her while facing preselection pressure in her Sydney seat of Lindsay.

Senator James Paterson has added shadow cabinet secretary to his portfolios to replace Marise Payne who retired in September last year.

He is also the shadow home affairs minister and shadow cyber security minister.

Shadow defence minister Andrew Hastie is the only WA politician included in the reshuffle, taking on the extra responsibility of shadow minister for defence industry and defence personnel.

Queensland MP Phil Thompson will be his assistant minister.

“The appointments I make today strengthen our team as we approach that critical task ahead,” Mr Dutton said in a statement.

“These appointments are excellent additions to the Coalition’s stable and united team. I can assure all Australians that the Coalition under my leadership will continue focusing on the policy issues that matter.

NSW Senator Andrew Bragg will take on the new role of assistant minister for home ownership, while South Australian MP James Stevens will become shadow assistant minister for government waste reduction.

The creation of particular portfolios, including housing, Western Sydney and energy affordability, indicates where the Coalition’s priority areas will be ahead of the next Federal election, which can be held between August 3 and May 17 next year.

“I look forward to working with my shadow cabinet colleagues as we continue to develop a comprehensive and ambitious policy agenda to put to the Australian people in the lead-up to the Federal election,” Senator Paterson said.

“The Albanese Government has let down Australians in so many areas — on the cost of living, the economy, housing affordability, energy and national security. Only the Liberals and Nationals can clean up the mess they have created with a positive plan for Australia’s future. That work is already well underway.”

NSW Senator Hollie Hughes has been appointed shadow assistant minister for mental health and suicide prevention, as well as becoming the shadow assistant minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.