Henderson appointed to shadow cabinet

GEELONG-based Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson has scored a promotion, named as one of the ten women in the twenty-four person shadow cabinet announced by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton on Sunday.

Senator Henderson is the new shadow communications minister, replacing Paul Fletcher who was the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities And The Arts in the former Morrison Government.

“What you’re seeing in this line up is some fresh faces, we have incredible depth of talent,” Mr Dutton said.

“Not just on the front bench, but on the back once as well. I’m cognisant of trying to bring people through for an opportunity, and you will see that we have some very impressive appointments.”

Mr Dutton has also appointed former energy minister Angus Taylor as shadow treasurer in his opposition frontbench.

Sussan Ley, who was also elected unopposed deputy Liberal leader, will be spokeswoman for industry, skills and training, and also women.

Mr Dutton said former foreign minister Marise Payne had asked not to be part of the cabinet but was persuaded to take the role of shadow cabinet secretary.

Former Attorney-General Michealia Cash becomes spokeswoman for employment, Karen Andrews is spokeswoman for home affairs, a role she held in government, while Jane Hume becomes finance spokeswoman.

Western Australian MP Andrew Hastie joins the frontbench as defence spokesman and Alan Tudge will take on education.

Nationals leader David Littleproud said there would be six people from his party on the coalition frontbench.

Barnaby Joyce, who Mr Littleproud defeated in a vote for the leadership last week, will become veteran affairs spokesman, while another former Nationals leader, Michael McCormack, will be spokesman for international development for the Pacific.

Kevin Hogan will also become trade and tourism spokesman.

-WITH AAP