Albanese Government Swears In Australia’s First Ever Federal Muslim Ministers
"This is far more representative than any government party room has ever been in our history.”
The Albanese Government has revealed its ministry on Tuesday, detailing two historic wins for Islamic representation at a federal level.
Member for Chifley Ed Husic was sworn as Minister for Industry and Science, becoming the first Muslim member of Cabinet, while the first woman of Islamic faith to be elected as a Member of Parliament back in 2016 Dr Anne Aly was made Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth under the Albanese Government. The pair became Australia’s first two federal Muslim ministers on Wednesday.
“It is an honour to be appointed as Minister for Early Childhood Education, and for Youth in the Albanese Labor Government,” said the Member for Cowan on Facebook, on also being the first Muslim woman to hold a ministerial position. “I am excited to serve in this portfolio. Can’t wait to get to work!”
Additionally, a record 13 women — the most in over 120 years — joined the overall ministry of 30, according to The New Daily. Over 40 percent of Cabinet are women as well. Representation in Parliament was also welcomed after 10 Indigenous candidates were elected, with the majority being women too.
“This is the largest number of women who have ever served in an Australian cabinet, with 10 women in the cabinet,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday.
Loving some of these new faces in the Albanese Labor Government ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VPNnbQHDKA
— Senator Jana Stewart (@JanaStewartVIC) May 31, 2022
However, Labor’s Shadow Cabinet had an equal number of men to women during the last term of the Morrison Government, as reported by the ABC.
“This is an exciting team. It’s a team that is overflowing, I think, with talent, with people who are absolutely committed to making a difference as ministers and assistant ministers,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “This is far more representative than any government party room has ever been in our history. We are making progress.”
Labor confirmed it had finally secured a majority government after winning 77 seats in the House of Representatives after the Federal Election.