The new appointments included the MPs Josh Frydenberg and Kelly O’Dwyer. “I look forward to working closely with the Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg MP and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer MP to build a stronger, more prosperous economy for all Australians,” said Hockey.
Hockey classed the pair as important members of his 2015 economic team, saying he was looking forward to working with them.
As part of the cabinet reshuffle, which was announced just before the Christmas holidays, Senator Arthur Sinodinos stepped down from his position as Assistant Treasurer. Hockey expressed admiration for the way in which Sinodinos had handled his resignation. “Arthur is a man with immense capacity [and] is someone who has a major contribution to make to Australia above and beyond his already considerable effort,” noted the treasurer.
“I can confirm that I have been confidentially discussing my ministerial future with the Prime Minister and Brian Loughnane, the party director, in recent weeks,” said Sinodinos.
While broadly respected by his colleagues, Senator Sinodinos had been under a cloud for most of the year, awaiting a corruption inquiry in New South Wales to deliver its findings on Liberal Party funding arrangements in the state.
“I would also like to place on the record my enormous appreciation for the significant work that Senator… Mathias Cormann has contributed as acting Assistant Treasurer,” added Hockey.
Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer Steven Ciobo, meanwhile, made way for O’Dwyer’s appointment. “I am certain he will serve the nation proudly and diligently as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade and Investment,” said Hockey.
