The man who spearheaded the coalition’s nuclear push will take charge of economic policies as part of Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s first shadow cabinet.
Ms Ley unveiled a joint shadow cabinet and ministry alongside Nationals leader David Littleproud after locking in a fresh coalition agreement following a rocky break-up.
“Our team is one of strivers and optimists of leaders and listeners,” Ms Ley told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.
Liberal deputy leader Ted O’Brien – who has held the Sunshine Coast electorate of Fairfax since 2016 – becomes shadow treasurer, while Mr Littleproud retains the agriculture portfolio.
Mr O’Brien, 51, was the shadow minister for climate change and energy from 2022 and has been a vocal advocate for nuclear energy.
“To be elected Deputy Leader of the Opposition and entrusted to serve as shadow treasurer is a great honour,” he said.
“It is a responsibility that I take very seriously and I will apply myself wholeheartedly.
“Amidst heightened global uncertainty, there is nothing more important for Australia than building a strong economy.
“I look forward to working with all my colleagues towards a values-led, future-focused and economically-driven agenda, anchored to a positive vision for Australia’s future.
“I will bring to bear in this role the discipline, work ethic and commercial expertise which I gained in over 20 years in business prior to entering parliament, along with my training in commerce and economics.”
Mr O’Brien’s fellow Sunshine Coast MP Andrew Wallace, who is the Member for Fisher, has been appointed as the new shadow cabinet secretary.
“I have spent nine years fighting for practical solutions to some of the country’s most pressing challenges: social media reform, national security, defence industry and mental healthcare,” he said.
“I look forward to engaging with my shadow ministry colleagues and the wider membership of our coalition team to strengthen the Opposition’s policy platform.”
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Julian Leeser retakes his old role as shadow attorney-general after he resigned from shadow cabinet to campaign for the Indigenous voice referendum in 2023.
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price will become the opposition’s defence industry and personnel spokeswoman, demoted from the shadow cabinet to the outer ministry.
Senator Nampijinpa Price sent shockwaves through the coalition when she defected from the Nationals to the Liberals after the election.
Angus Taylor loses the treasury portfolio and will become the coalition’s defence spokesman.
Former soldier Andrew Hastie leaves defence to take on home affairs, while Dan Tehan takes on energy and emissions reduction.
James Paterson picks up finance after moving on from home affairs.
Jane Hume, who oversaw the coalition’s disastrous work-from-home policy, lost the finance portfolio and has been dropped from the shadow cabinet.
Michaelia Cash takes on foreign affairs and Anne Ruston remains in health.
Nationals deputy Kevin Hogan retains trade and Senate leader Bridget McKenzie keeps infrastructure.
Former Nationals leaders Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack have been dumped from the shadow ministry, after casting doubt on Mr Littleproud’s position.
