Malcolm Turnbull has described his ministry as one that reflects a determination to seize the opportunities of the most exciting times in human history.
The prime minister was speaking as he presented his ministers to Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove at a swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Canberra on Monday.
Attorney-General George Brandis, the government's new leader in the Senate, was the first minister to be sworn in.
Treasurer Scott Morrison swore his oath of office on his own bible.
Marise Payne becomes Australia's first female defence minister, coincidentally sworn-in by a former chief of Australia's defence force.
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Her elevation to one of the most senior roles in the Turnbull cabinet was warmly welcomed by her colleagues with a "hear, hear" response.
Senator Payne is one of five women in cabinet, three more than Tony Abbott appointed to his team.
Christian Porter, regarded as a rising star in the federal Liberal Party, makes the transition from West Australian state politics to become social services minister.
South Australian Simon Birmingham, another up-and-comer, moves into cabinet taking the education portfolio.
Arthur Sinodinos returns to a senior role in government as cabinet secretary
Josh Frydenberg, wearing the traditional Jewish kippah, swore his oath as resources and energy minister on the Torah.
Mal Brough, who was a captain in the army before entering politics, becomes defence materiel and science minister as well as special minister of state.
Another military officer, Stuart Robert, takes over responsibility for veterans affairs and human services.
In a lighter moment during the formal ceremony, assistant agriculture and water resources minister Anne Ruston had to borrow Sir Peter's reading glasses to take her oath of office.
Wyatt Roy, the youngest member of the Turnbull ministry, had no trouble reading his oath as assistant minister for industry, innovation and science.
The newly sworn-in ministers filed out of the ceremony for the traditional class photo with Sir Peter on the front steps of Government House.
