Fed: Stott Despoja revamps Democrats front bench

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2001
Fed: Stott Despoja revamps Democrats front bench

By James Grubel, Chief Political Correspondent

CANBERRA, April 12 AAP - Australian Democrats leader Natasha Stott Despoja revamped
her party's front bench today and took personal responsibility for the crucial treasury
portfolio.

Senator Stott Despoja stamped her authority on the party by also taking over the Prime
Minister and Cabinet portfolio, alongside status of women.

The move is a direct swap with former leader Meg Lees, who now takes Senator Stott
Despoja's old portfolios of consumer affairs, employment and training.

However, Senator Stott Despoja resisted the temptation to carry out a full reshuffle,
making only minor changes to the responsibilities of the remaining Democrats senators.

Senator Stott Despoja, who has targeted education, training and research as key areas
for her party, will retain responsibility for higher education, science and the republic.

In a surprise move, Western Australian Andrew Murray retains responsibility for taxation,
with the extra portfolio of electoral matters the only change to his duties.

Senator Murray played a key role alongside Senator Lees during negotiations on the
GST package in 1999 - the deal many blamed for Senator Lees losing the Democrats leadership.

Senator Lees will retain the health and sport portfolios.

Senator Stott Despoja made no changes to the duties of incoming deputy leader Aden
Ridgeway, who remains responsible for the arts, industry, reconciliation, tourism, financial
services and centenary of federation portfolios.

"The reshuffle is a minor one to accommodate the recent changes in the leadership of
the Democrats without causing major disruption and to ensure continuity in the lead-up
to the election," Senator Stott Despoja said in a statement.

"This portfolio distribution will stay in place until the federal election."

AAP jg/jnb/sb

KEYWORD: DEMOCRATS

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