Nationals Darren Chester and Keith Pitt promoted in federal cabinet reshuffle

Nationals Darren Chester and Keith Pitt have been elevated to Cabinet in a minor ministerial reshuffle.

Veterans' Affairs Minister Darren Chester speaks during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra.

Veterans' Affairs Minister Darren Chester speaks during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP

Nationals Darren Chester and Keith Pitt have been elevated to Cabinet in a ministerial reshuffle.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the new-look frontbench on Thursday alongside Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, who survived Barnaby Joyce's leadership challenge on Tuesday.

Mr Chester has returned to the Cabinet, with his portfolios of veterans' affairs and defence personnel given higher status, while Mr Pitt is the new resources, water and northern Australia minister.
New Nationals Deputy Leader David Littleproud has regained the agriculture portfolio, replacing Bridget McKenzie who quit over the sports rorts scandal.

Mr Littleproud, who remains drought and emergency management minister, has relinquished responsibilities for water.

NSW MP Mark Coulton - a key ally of Mr McCormack - will be minister for regional health, regional communications and local government.

Andrew Gee, also a backer of Mr McCormack, has been promoted to the outer ministry with responsibilities for regional education and decentralisation.

He also takes over as assistant trade minister.
Keith Pitt is the new resources, water and northern Australia minister.
Keith Pitt is the new resources, water and northern Australia minister. Source: AAP
Queensland MP Michelle Landry will continue as assistant minister for children and family services, while also assisting Mr Pitt as minister for northern Australia.

NSW MP Kevin Hogan has been promoted from the backbench to be Mr McCormack's assistant minister.

Queensland Senator Matt Canavan quit as resources and northern Australia minister to support Barnaby Joyce's failed attempt on Mr McCormack's leadership.


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