Turnbull Government announces Federal Ministry shake-up
Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull has this afternoon confirmed the new line-up for the government’s Ministry, which includes the departure of Tourism Minister, Senator Richard Colbeck.
Colbeck said he was “extremely disappointed” to relinquish his portfolio, but agreed with Turnbull’s decision to finalise a new team.
“I have been very proud to have held the Tourism and International Education portfolio,” he remarked.
“In tourism it has been a real privilege to work to continue the strong growth in this sector,” Colbeck added.
“Working so closely with my Ministerial colleagues on continued reform of access arrangements to Australia, such as improved visa arrangements with China, Indonesia and facilitated premium entry as well as increased aviation access has resulted in real benefits for the tourism industry,” he said.
In Colbeck’s place will be Keith Pitt, Federal Member for Hinkler, who has been appointed as Assistant Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism.
Elsewhere, Turnbull announced the appointment of Paul Fletcher as Minister for Urban Infrastructure, a role that will see him focus on the Western Sydney Airport project at Badgerys Creek.
More in tomorrow’s issue of Travel Daily.