Scott Morrison announces ministerial reshuffle following Christian Porter resignation

Energy Minister Angus Taylor will add the industry portfolio to his responsibilities following the resignation of Christian Porter.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday announced changes to his frontbench, responding to Mr Porter’s departure last month.

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price will pick up the science and technology portfolios he held.

Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Minister Alex Hawke will be elevated to cabinet.

WA MP Ben Morton will be promoted to special minister of state and public service minister while also assisting prime minister and cabinet.

Victorian Tim Wilson also received a promotion from the back bench to a junior ministerial role assisting Mr Taylor.

Mr Porter resigned after revealing money for his defamation case against the ABC came from unknown sources through a trust.

Meanwhile, a former chief of staff to now-retired cabinet minister Mathias Cormann is considered the frontrunner for the job of Senate President.

Liberal senator Slade Brockman will be up against fellow Western Australian Dean Smith in the second round of a party room ballot on Friday afternoon.

The Senate will vote on the presidency when it resumes on 18 October.

Source: sbs.com.au