Prime Minister Tony Abbott has revealed that his biggest achievement for women in 2014 was repealing the carbon tax.
In an interview with Channel Nine’s The Today Show, host Lisa Wilkinson asked Mr Abbott what he thought was his biggest achievement as the country’s Minister for Women.
"Well, you know, it is very important to do the right thing by families and households," Mr Abbott said. "As many of us know, women are particularly focused on the household budget and the repeal of the carbon tax means a $550 a year benefit for the average family."
He then promised to have his “fair dinkim” paid parental scheme introduced to the Parliament in 2015. Mr Abbott also added that he was "very pleased" to be able to promote three women during Sunday’s cabinet reshuffle.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister announced a major reshuffle, dumping Defence Minister David Johnston and naming Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews in his place.
Immigration minister Scott Morrison has been moved into an expanded social services portfolio, and Sussan Ley promoted to the health ministry and cabinet.
Meanwhile, her predecessor Peter Dutton has been given the immigration portfolio.
He replaces Arthur Sinodinos, whose resignation on Friday sparked the ministerial rejig.
The elevation of Ms Ley to cabinet has been accompanied by the promotion of Kelly O'Dwyer and Karen Andrews as parliamentary secretaries, addressing long-standing criticism of the lack of women in the ministry.
