WITH the change of leadership for the parliamentary Liberal Party came the inevitable reshuffle of portfolios.
Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie, remains in the shadow ministry after the ditching of Sussan Ley in favour of Angus Taylor, but in different roles.
On 28 May last year, McKenzie announced that she had been asked by new leader Ley to serve in the capacity of Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning and Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health.
At the time McKenzie stated she was honoured at the elevation into the shadow ministry stating “I have a deep passion for these areas of public policy.”
McKenzie was then appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary by former Opposition Leader Sussan Ley on 13 October last year, adding to her responsibilities.
After the ouster of Ley as the Leader of the Opposition, McKenzie has announced she has retained a position in the shadow ministry, albeit in different roles being appointed as Shadow Assistant Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, while continuing to serve as Shadow Cabinet Secretary. McKenzie will also take on the role co-chair of the Coalition Policy Development Committee.
“As Shadow Cabinet Secretary, I will continue working closely with the Coalition’s leadership team to ensure a disciplined, unified and policy-focused alternative government,” said McKenzie.
“The Shadow Cabinet Secretary not only supports the Leader in managing the day-to-day procedural and operational matters of the Shadow Cabinet, but also helps shape the policy agenda of the Coalition.
“I look forward to working closely with Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Senator Jane Hume, to develop a modern, pro-productivity workplace agenda that backs workers and supports businesses.
“Make no mistake: this new role comes at a critical time. Labor has turned Australia’s industrial relations system into a playground for union powerbrokers and backroom deals.
“Instead of standing up for workers and small businesses, Labor has stood by while militant unions have been empowered and accountability has been ignored.
“Australia needs an industrial relations system that looks forward, not backward: one that works for workers and businesses alike, not vested interests.”
With the resignation of Sussan Ley from federal parliament, there are now only five Liberal Party women in the 150 seat House of Representatives.
First published in the Mornington News – 24 February 2026
