Anthony Albanese’s new cabinet suggests cautious PM will pick his battles

When Labor was first elected in 2022, Anthony Albanese pledged to lead a proper cabinet government, with longstanding practices restored and ministers empowered to run their portfolios. Despite Labor’s massive victory, Monday’s cabinet reshuffle was overshadowed in part by factional ruthlessness and the ouster of longtime frontbenchers Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic. But the prime minister’s refreshed line up highlights his desire to make Labor the natural party of government in Australia. Michelle Rowland moves from communications to replace Dreyfus as the attorney general, and well-regarded assistant minister Tim Ayres shifts into cabinet to replace Husic in industry. Albanese’s line-up suggests he wants to continue cautious, methodical government, picking Labor’s battles and not scaring voters enough to make them rethink the landmark result on 3 May.