Australian PM packs cabinet with women

Austaralia, July 1 – New Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has unveiled his cabinet, bringing in a record number of women and switching the focus to the economy.

 

"I am delighted that in this cabinet of ours we will have the largest number of women in any cabinet in Australian history," Rudd announced on Monday.

 

Victorian senator Jacinta Collins enters the cabinet as minister for mental health, Catherine King will be minister for regional Australia and Julie Collins takes the portfolios of housing, homeless and the status of women.

 

The number of women in the cabinet climbs from nine under Gillard to 11.

 

Agencies