Ley shadow ministry

Ley shadow ministry

Shadow cabinet of Australia
Sussan Ley
Date formed28 May 2025
People and organisations
Opposition LeaderSussan Ley
Deputy Opposition LeaderTed O'Brien
No. of ministers42
Member partiesLiberalNational coalition
Status in legislatureOpposition
43 / 150
History
Election2025
Legislature term48th
PredecessorDutton shadow ministry

The shadow ministry of Sussan Ley is the shadow cabinet of Australia since May 2025, serving in opposition to the Albanese government. The shadow ministry is the Opposition's alternative to the Albanese ministry, which was sworn in on 13 May 2025.[1] The shadow ministry was first appointed by Sussan Ley following her election as Leader of the Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition also on 13 May 2025.[2]

The National Party was the Liberal Party's coalition partner until the 2025 federal election, and re-elected its party leader David Littleproud on 12 May 2025 after the election.[3] Littleproud and senior Nationals members announced on 20 May 2025 that their party would break away from the Coalition and would not be part of the shadow ministry.[4] A Liberal Party-only shadow ministry was to be announced a few days later. However, the Liberal-only shadow ministry did not eventuate, as the parties instead announced they were looking to negotiate a new Coalition deal.[5] On 28 May, a new Coalition agreement was reached, and both parties would be in a Coalition opposition again. As a result, the shadow ministry would once more consist of both parties.[6]

Current arrangement

The first arrangement of the shadow ministry was announced by Ley and Littleproud on 28 May 2025.[7][8] Due to the changes in the Liberal Party leadership and a few Coalition frontbenchers losing their seats at the 2025 federal election, portfolios were significantly reshuffled from the previous Dutton shadow ministry.[9]

The Liberal Party dropped Sarah Henderson, Jane Hume, Claire Chandler and Tony Pasin from the frontbench, while the National Party dropped Michael McCormack and Barnaby Joyce from the frontbench. All six were shadow ministers in the previous shadow ministry.[9] Rick Wilson (Liberal), who was an assistant shadow minister in the previous shadow ministry, was also not re-appointed to the shadow ministry. Nationals MP Michelle Landry, who was a shadow assistant minister in the previous shadow ministry, had been recently appointed as her party's Chief Whip and was therefore also not re-appointed to the shadow ministry.[10] Nationals senator Matt Canavan, who was last on the Coalition frontbench in 2020 (as a government minister) and had challenged Littleproud for leadership after the election, was not appointed to the frontbench.[9]

James McGrath (Liberal), Andrew Bragg (Liberal), Kerrynne Liddle (Liberal), Angie Bell (Liberal) and Darren Chester (National), all of who were in the previous shadow ministry but not in the shadow cabinet, had been elevated to the latter. Liberal MP Julian Leeser, who was an shadow assistant minister prior to the election, also returned to the shadow cabinet since his resignation in April 2023. Tim Wilson (Liberal) and Ross Cadell (National), who were not in the previous shadow ministry, were also elevated directly into the shadow cabinet. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who was a shadow cabinet minister in the previous ministry and had defected from the National Party to Liberal Party after the election, was not re-appointed to the shadow cabinet. Instead, she was appointed as a shadow minister in the shadow outer ministry.[9]

Two former cabinet ministers (before 2022) who were not in the previous shadow ministry, Alex Hawke and Melissa Price (both Liberal), were also re-appointed to the front bench, with Hawke being a shadow cabinet minister and Melissa Price being a shadow minister in the shadow outer ministry.[9]

Some members of parliament were also newly appointed to positions in the shadow assistant ministry. Two of them, Maria Kovacic and Leah Blyth, entered parliament between the 2022 and 2025 elections, with Blyth being a Senator for only less than four months prior to her appointment as a shadow assistant minister. Another two entered parliament in the 2025 election, Jamie Chaffey and Gisele Kapterian. Kapterian was provisionally appointed as a shadow assistant minister pending the outcome of the vote recount in Division of Bradfield, where she was contesting.[9]

Shadow cabinet

Party Shadow Minister Portrait Offices Ref
Liberal Hon Sussan Ley
(born 1961)

MP for Farrer (NSW)
(2001–)

[11]
Liberal (LNP) Ted O'Brien
(born 1974)

MP for Fairfax (Qld.)
(2016–)

[12]
National (LNP) Hon David Littleproud
(born 1976)

MP for Maranoa (Qld.)
(2016–)

[13]
Liberal Hon Michaelia Cash
(born 1970)

Senator for Western Australia
(2008–)

[14]
Hon Anne Ruston
(born 1963)

Senator for South Australia
(2012–)

[15]
Hon Angus Taylor
(born 1966)

MP for Hume (NSW)
(2013–)

[16]
James Paterson
(born 1987)

Senator for Victoria
(2016–)

[17]
Hon Dan Tehan
(born 1968)

MP for Wannon (Vic.)
(2010–)

[18]
Hon Andrew Hastie
(born 1982)

MP for Canning (WA)
(2015–)

[19]
Hon Jonathon Duniam
(born 1982)

Senator for Tasmania
(2016–)

[20]
Hon Tim Wilson
(born 1980)

MP for Goldstein (Vic.)
(2016–2022, 2025–)

[21]
Kerrynne Liddle
(born 1967)

Senator for South Australia
(2022–)

[22]
National Hon Bridget McKenzie
(born 1969)

Senator for Victoria
(2011–)

[23]
Liberal Julian Leeser
(born 1976)

MP for Berowra (NSW)
(2016–)

[24]
Melissa McIntosh
(born 1977)

MP for Lindsay (NSW)
(2019–)

[25]
Andrew Bragg
(born 1984)

Senator for New South Wales
(2019–)

[26]
Liberal (LNP) Angie Bell
(born 1968)

MP for Moncrieff (Qld.)
(2019–)

[27]
National Hon Kevin Hogan
(born 1963)

MP for Page (NSW)
(2013–)

[28]
Hon Darren Chester
(born 1967)

MP for Gippsland (Vic.)
(2008–)

[29]
Liberal Hon Alex Hawke
(born 1977)

MP for Mitchell (NSW)
(2007–)

[30]
National Ross Cadell
(born 1969)

Senator for New South Wales
(2022–)

[31]
Liberal (LNP) Hon James McGrath
(born 1974)

Senator for Queensland
(2014–)

[32]
National (LNP) Susan McDonald
(born 1970)

Senator for Queensland
(2019–)

[33]

Shadow outer ministry

Party Shadow Minister Portrait Offices Ref
National Pat Conaghan
(born 1971)

MP for Cowper (NSW)
(2019–)

[34]
Liberal Hon Jason Wood
(born 1968)

MP for La Trobe (Vic.)
(2004–2010, 2013–)

[35]
Liberal (CLP) Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
(born 1981)

Senator for the Northern Territory
(2022–)

[36]
Liberal Hon Melissa Price
(born 1963)

MP for Durack (WA)
(2013–)

[37]
Liberal (LNP) Paul Scarr
(born 1969)

Senator for Queensland
(2019–)

[38]
Hon Scott Buchholz
(born 1968)

MP for Wright (Qld.)
(2010–)

[39]
National Dr. Anne Webster
(born 1959)

MP for Mallee (NSW)
(2019–)

[40]

Shadow assistant ministry

Party Shadow Minister Portrait Offices Ref
Liberal (LNP) Hon Andrew Wallace
(born 1968)

MP for Fisher (Qld.)
(2016–)

[41]
Liberal Maria Kovacic
(born 1970)

Senator for New South Wales
(2023–)

[42]
Dave Sharma
(born 1975)

Senator for New South Wales
(2023–)
MP for Wentworth (NSW)
(2019–2022)

[43]
Matt O'Sullivan
(born 1978)

Senator for Western Australia
(2019–)

[44]
Dean Smith
(born 1969)

Senator for Western Australia
(2012–)

[45]
Liberal (LNP) Phillip Thompson
(born 1988)

MP for Herbert (Qld.)
(2019–)

[46]
National (LNP) Andrew Willcox
(born 1969)

MP for Dawson (Qld.)
(2022–)

  • Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability
[47]
Liberal Zoe McKenzie
(born 1972)

MP for Flinders (Vic.)
(2022–)

[48]
Leah Blyth

Senator for South Australia
(2025–)

  • Shadow Assistant Minister for Stronger Families and Stronger Communities
[49]
Gisele Kapterian

Provisionally appointed pending result of Bradfield

National Jamie Chaffey

MP for Parkes (NSW)
(2025–)

Sam Birrell
(1975–)

MP for Nicholls (Vic.)
(2022–)

[50]

See also

References

  1. ^ Truu, Maani (12 May 2025). "Anthony Albanese unveils new-look frontbench after historic victory". ABC News. Archived from the original on 12 May 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  2. ^ McIlroy, Tom; Dhanji, Krishani (13 May 2025). "Sussan Ley elected first female Liberal party leader and leaves possibility open of Coalition abandoning net zero targets". Guardian Australia. Archived from the original on 18 May 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  3. ^ Crowley, Tom (12 May 2025). "David Littleproud remains as Nationals leader, seeing off Matt Canavan challenge". ABC News. Archived from the original on 12 May 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  4. ^ Truu, Maani (20 May 2025). "Nationals call it quits on decades-long coalition with Liberals". ABC News. Archived from the original on 23 May 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  5. ^ Norman, Jane (22 May 2025). "Shadow ministry decision stalled as Liberals and Nationals negotiate on reunion". ABC News. Archived from the original on 23 May 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  6. ^ Speers, David (29 May 2025). "Liberals and Nationals are pals again. Now the hard work begins". ABC News. Archived from the original on 2 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  7. ^ "Ley shadow ministry" (PDF). Liberal Party of Australia. 28 May 2025. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  8. ^ Ley, Sussan; Littleproud, David (28 May 2025). "Joint Press Conference Opposition Party Room Coalition Agreement, Ley Shadow Ministry" (PDF). Liberal Party of Australia. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Crowley, Tom (28 May 2025). "Jane Hume, Sarah Henderson dumped as Sussan Ley unveils shadow cabinet with David Littleproud". ABC News. Archived from the original on 29 May 2025. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
  10. ^ @themichellelandry; (26 May 2025). "Last week, I was appointed Chief Whip of the National Party of Australia" – via Instagram.
  11. ^ "LEY, the Hon. Sussan Penelope". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  12. ^ "O'BRIEN, Edward (Ted) Lynam". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  13. ^ "LITTLEPROUD, the Hon. David Kelly". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  14. ^ "CASH, the Hon. Michaelia Clare". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  15. ^ "RUSTON, the Hon. Anne Sowerby". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  16. ^ "TAYLOR, the Hon. Angus James". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  17. ^ "PATERSON, James William". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  18. ^ "TEHAN, the Hon. Daniel (Dan) Thomas". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  19. ^ "HASTIE, the Hon. Andrew William". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  20. ^ "DUNIAM, the Hon. Jonathon (Jonno) Roy". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  21. ^ "WILSON, the Hon. Timothy (Tim) Robert". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  22. ^ "LIDDLE, Kerrynne Jeanette". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  23. ^ "McKENZIE, the Hon. Bridget". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  24. ^ "LEESER, Julian Martin". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  25. ^ "McINTOSH, Melissa Iris". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  26. ^ "BRAGG, Andrew James". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  27. ^ "BELL, Angie Marion". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  28. ^ "HOGAN, the Hon. Kevin John". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  29. ^ "CHESTER, the Hon. Darren Jeffrey". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  30. ^ "HAWKE, the Hon. Alexander (Alex) George". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  31. ^ "CADELL, Ross Philip". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  32. ^ "McGRATH, the Hon. James". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  33. ^ "McDONALD, Susan Eileen". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  34. ^ "CONAGHAN, Patrick (Pat) John". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  35. ^ "WOOD, the Hon. Jason Peter". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  36. ^ "NAMPIJINPA PRICE, Jacinta". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  37. ^ "PRICE, the Hon. Melissa Lee". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  38. ^ "NAMPIJINPA PRICE, Jacinta". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  39. ^ "BUCHHOLZ, the Hon. Scott Andrew". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  40. ^ "WEBSTER, Dr Anne Elizabeth". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  41. ^ "WALLACE, the Hon. Andrew Bruce". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  42. ^ "KOVACIC, Maria". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  43. ^ "SHARMA, Devanand (Dave) Noel". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  44. ^ "O'SULLIVAN, Matt". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  45. ^ "SMITH, Dean Anthony". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  46. ^ "THOMPSON, Phillip Bruce, OAM". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  47. ^ "WILLCOX, Andrew". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  48. ^ "McKENZIE, Zoe Anne". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  49. ^ "BLYTH, Leah". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  50. ^ "BIRRELL, Samuel (Sam) James". Parliamentary Handbook. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 7 June 2025.