Former NSW premier Bob Carr will join the Senate and become foreign affairs minister, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced.
The Prime Minister confirmed yesterday that she had personally lobbied Mr Carr to fill a Senate vacancy, prompting Federal Opposition claims she has been economical with the truth.
But Ms Gillard continued to insist she did not offer Mr Carr the job of foreign affairs minister.
The reshuffle announced today had been marred by claims her first choice for the plum job was cruelled by senior colleagues opposed to the idea.
Under questioning by the Opposition, Ms Gillard told Parliament yesterday she had spoken to Mr Carr on Monday about filling a casual Senate vacancy caused by the resignation of Assistant Treasurer Mark Arbib.
"I have had discussions with a range of people," she said.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith, who had been tipped to return to the Foreign Ministry, has retained the defence portfolio in the reshuffle.
Until Mr Carr takes his place in the Senate, Craig Emerson will continue to act as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Mr Carr said he could not say no to an offer to perform more public service.
“You don't choose the moment, very often the moment chooses you,” he said at a press conference today.
Mr Carr said he would seek Mr Rudd's advice on some matters, such as Australia's relations with Burma.
Ms Gillard was announcing her second ministerial reshuffle in three months on Friday.
ate Lundy has been promoted, to Minister for Sport and Multicultural Affairs, as well as Assistant Minister for Industry and Innovation.
David Bradbury has also been promoted to the ministry as Assistant Treasurer, and to the newly created position of Minister Assisting for Deregulation.
Jason Clare will take on the additional portfolio of Minister for Defence Materiel.
Kim Carr will move to the human services portfolio.
Kevin Rudd supporter Robert McClelland has been demoted to the back bench.
Dr Emerson will also take on an expanded role of Minister for Trade and Competitiveness, paying particular attention to increasing Australia's international economic competitiveness, with a focus on the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper.
Brendan O'Connor moves into cabinet, to take the position of Minister for Small Business, as well as Minister for Housing and Homelessness.
Attorney-General Nicola Roxon takes on the additional portfolio of Emergency Management.
Environment Minister Tony Burke will take on the additional role of Vice-President of the Executive Council.
Mr Carr's appearance at the ministerial announcement was a surprise.
Well, I would have lost that bet. Press conference on tv now, Carr has dazzled the media in a relaxed 40 min event.
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