Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh has been promoted to Peter Dutton’s Shadow Cabinet as the Coaltion readies its team for an election.
McIntosh has been appointed Shadow Minister for Communications.
She will retain her role as Shadow Minister for Western Sydney.
“I thank opposition leader Peter Dutton for the opportunity to join Shadow Cabinet, as we take the fight to Labor at the election in coming months,” McIntosh said.
“Having a Shadow Cabinet Minister oversee the Western Sydney portfolio demonstrates the Opposition Leader’s commitment to our region, and allows me to advocate further for the infrastructure we deserve. Only a Dutton Coalition Government will get western Sydney back on track.”
The previous Shadow Communications Minister, David Coleman, will take on the Shadow Foreign Affairs portfolio.
Dutton, who last year backed McIntosh when it appeared she would face an internal battle with former Councillor Mark Davies for preselection, said her appointment highlighted the importance of western Sydney to the Coalition.
“Mel has made an enormous contribution since her elevation to the Shadow Ministry last year, and I am pleased to welcome her into the Shadow Cabinet where she will continue to take the fight up to the Government on key policy areas,” he said.
“Mel maintains her portfolio responsibilities as Shadow Minister for Western Sydney, which is now a Shadow Cabinet position, and which highlights the importance of this region to the economic wellbeing of our nation – but a region which has been ignored by the Albanese Labor Government.”
Dutton announced his expected re-shuffle over the long weekend, considered by many as the unofficial start of the election campaign.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is likely to call the election at some point in the next few weeks.
“Mr Albanese is failing all the tests of leadership that Australians expect of their Prime Minister. He has his priorities all wrong,” Dutton said.
“The Coalition, on the other hand, will continue to deliver the positive plans and policies for the future of our great country.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.