Time to get back to work as Australian PM Scott Morrison names Cabinet

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will use his selections to cement his authority over the government. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

SYDNEY (REUTERS) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison named his new Cabinet on Sunday (May 26) - with most positions staying the same - saying the government had a significant agenda to deliver and it was time to get back to business.

"I have high expectations of my ministry and clear goals for each of their roles," he said in an e-mailed statement.

Incoming Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, who served in the Army Reserves for almost three decades and rose to the rank of brigadier, replaces Mr Christopher Pyne who has retired.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne retains her position as does Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, Trade Minister Simon Birmingham, Energy Minister Angus Taylor and Attorney General Christian Porter.

A priority of the re-elected Liberal National coalition is to deliver income-tax cuts by July 1, a cornerstone of its election campaign, as the central bank has called for stimulus to aid a slowing economy.

Mr Morrison entered this month's election at the head of a minority government after a series of defections, unable to pursue its legislative agenda without the support of independent lawmakers and minor parties.

Last week's surprise election win, however, secured the coalition an outright majority, removing the legislative uncertainty.

Official counting has not yet finished with three seats still in doubt, but the Electoral Commission said Mr Morrison's coalition leads in an outright majority of 78 seats in parliament which has 151 elected lawmakers.

The opposition Labor party is expected to win 67 seats and there are six crossbenchers made up of minor parties and independents.

Mr Morrison also created a national agency for Indigenous Australians which would report directly to new Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt, the first Aboriginal cabinet minister.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.