Julia Gillard unveils her third ministerial reshuffle

AUSTRALIA, Sydney -- Prime Minister Julia Gillard is expected to unveil her third ministerial reshuffle in 18 months on Friday. This follows a challenge made by Kevin Rudd who served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2010 to 2012 and former Prime Minister within the Australian Labor Party (ALP) government from 2007 to 2010. Mr Rudd has moved to the backbench following his failed leadership bid.

On 22 February 2012, Rudd announced his resignation as Foreign Minister, following speculation about a possible leadership spill and later announced his canditure on the 24 February. On 23 February, Julia Gillard announced there would be a ballot for the leadership on 27 February, at which she would be running. In the ballot, Gillard beat Rudd by 71 votes to 31.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Friday announced former NSW Premier Bob Carr will join the Senate as Minister for Foreign Affairs having has taken Mark Arbib's vacancy in the Senate.

"When the opportunity came for more public service, I couldn't say no," Mr Carr said.

"But in the end when the distinctive voice of Prime Minister Gillard rouses you from your slumber and says will you be foreign minister of Australia, I couldn't have found it in me to have said no."

Craig Emerson will take on an expanded role of Minister for Trade and Competitiveness, paying particular attention to increasing Australia's international economic competitiveness, with a focus on the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper.

Brendan O'Connor moves into Cabinet to take the position of Minister for Small Business, as well as Minister for Housing and Homelessness. Small businesses are central to Australia's economy and deserve Cabinet-level representation.

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon will take on the additional portfolio of Emergency Management, which as I have made clear I believe must be a Cabinet-level appointment.

Tony Burke will take on the additional role of Vice-President of the Executive Council.

Kate Lundy, who has been promoted to Minister for Sport and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, as well as Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation.

David Bradbury has been promoted to the Ministry as Assistant Treasurer, and as the newly-created position of Minister Assisting for Deregulation.
Jason Clare will take on the additional portfolio of Minister for Defence Materiel.

Kim Carr will move to the portfolio of Human Services with Minister Greg Combet continuing to be responsible for manufacturing at a Cabinet level.