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Turnbull announces ministerial reshuffle

The Prime Minister has changed his ministry in the wake of the Barnaby Joyce saga.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at Question Time on Thursday.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at Question Time on Thursday. Source: AAP

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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced changes to his ministry.

Two Nationals who were key supporters of new Nationals leader Michael McCormack are set to return to the front bench.

Victorian Darren Chester will take over the veterans affairs portfolio, which Mr McCormack is vacating to take up infrastructure and transport.

It comes less than three months after his controversial dumping as infrastructure minister by former leader Barnaby Joyce late last year.

Keith Pitt, who was also demoted to the backbench in Mr Joyce's controversial reshuffle, will now be assistant minister to the deputy prime minister.

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Mark Coulton will also join the ministry as Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.

"I thank the Hon Damian Drum MP for his service as Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister and thank the Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP for his service in the Ministry, most recently as Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment," the prime minister said in a statement.

The new ministers will be sworn in by the Governor-General on Monday.

Nationals member for Gippsland Darren Chester (centre) will return to the ministry.
Nationals member for Gippsland Darren Chester (centre) will return to the ministry. Source: AAP

Senior MPs who were strong supporters of Mr Joyce were spared the axe, with Resources Minister Matt Canavan and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion untouched in the reshuffle.

Agriculture and Water Minister David Littleproud, who considered contesting the leadership before withdrawing from the race, retains his cabinet position after a shock promotion last year.

Speaking before Thursday's announcement, Mr Chester said he had told Mr McCormack he was keen to take on veterans affairs.

"I would love to come back into the ministry if that opportunity presents itself," Mr Chester said.

In a statement, Mr Pitt said it was an honour to return to the ministry to assist Mr McCormack with infrastructure and transport.

"Having worked as an engineer, a tradesperson, a farmer, a small business owner and having lived most of my life in regional Australia, I have a deep appreciation of just how important well planned infrastructure and connectivity is," Mr Pitt said.


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