FED:Dramatic cabinet reshuffle expected: media

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2011
FED:Dramatic cabinet reshuffle expected: media

SYDNEY, Dec 11 AAP - Rumours are rife that a federal cabinet reshuffle is imminent.

After days of speculation, Fairfax media report that Prime Minister Julia Gillard may
announce a new cabinet as early as Sunday, with the changes even more dramatic than expected.

"There are more changes than people first thought," one senior minister has been quoted
as saying. "There's a bit of a concern from some that there's payback going on."

Among the winners are Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten, who is expected to replace
Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans, who has reportedly fallen out of favour over
his handling of the Qantas crisis.

Senator Evans may well lose his job as the government's leader in the Senate, with
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy taking on some of his duties and Finance Minister
Penny Wong becoming deputy Senate leader.

Industry Minister Kim Carr may also be facing the axe. "Either that or she'll give
him the choice [to resign]," a source told The Sun-Herald. Senator Carr's spokeswoman
refused to comment.

Speculation that Attorney-General Robert McClelland would step down got a boost when
his phone was diverted to his department, the paper reports.

The big surprise is that Kevin Rudd will remain Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The changes are being seen as a bid by Ms Gillard to surround herself with as many
supporters as possible.

AAP sn

KEYWORD: MINISTRY

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.