Turnbull’s new cabinet sworn in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s new cabinet was on Monday sworn in with five women ministers including Marise Payne who became the country’s first female defence minister, a move seen as a significant change in style and tone from the previous government.

Turnbull, a 60-year-old multimillionaire who holds socially moderate views within the conservative Liberal Party, presented his new team to Governor-General Peter Cosgrove at a swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Canberra.

Attorney-General George Brandis, the government’s new leader in the Senate, was the first minister to be sworn in. Scott Morrison took <g data-gr-id="21">oath</g> of the Treasurer’s office. Payne, one of five women in the new cabinet, was sworn in as Australia’s first female defence minister. The previous government had two female cabinet ministers.

Prime Minister Turnbull described his new ministry as one that reflects a determination to seize the opportunities of the most exciting times in human history.

Christian Porter took his oath for social services minister while south Australian Simon Birmingham was moved into <g data-gr-id="25">cabinet</g> for the education portfolio.

Arthur Sinodinos returned to a senior role in government as cabinet secretary Josh Frydenberg swore his oath as resources and energy minister on the Torah. Turnbull came to power following last week’s leadership vote against Tony Abbott.