The Prime Minister has rejected media reports that the Cities portfolio was downgraded in his recent ministerial reshuffle.
Malcolm Turnbull told a media conference Monday morning that despite now being headed by an assistant minister (parliamentary secretary), cities policy had “in reality been promoted” by moving to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
On creation, during his first ministerial reshuffle, the cities policy was a junior minister’s portfolio held by Jamie Briggs prior to his resignation from the front bench, and located in the Department of the Environment.
Turnbull said cities policy was being “recognised as a whole of government agenda and should be developed in Prime Minister and Cabinet”.
The Prime Minister also defended his choice of rising Liberal star Angus Taylor (pictured) for the assistant ministry role. He described Taylor, who represents the rural seat of Hume, as a very capable member of his team.
Taylor will also assist Turnbull with Digital Transformation.
The administrative arrangements for the latest reshuffle have not yet been published.
Clarification: This article originally stated incorrectly that the Cities portfolio was located within Infrastructure and Regional Development.
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