Canberra, May 13, 2025 — The Europe Today: Anthony Albanese has officially commenced his second term as Prime Minister of Australia, taking the oath of office during a formal swearing-in ceremony held at Government House in Canberra on Tuesday morning. The ceremony was officiated by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, marking her first such appointment since assuming the viceregal role.
Accompanied by his fiancée Jodie Haydon and son Nathan, Prime Minister Albanese reaffirmed his commitment to lead the nation, symbolizing both continuity and renewal within the federal government. As per constitutional procedure, Mr. Albanese formally resigned before being reappointed to lead his second term.
Ministers of the newly constituted Albanese Government were sworn in sequentially, many joined by their families and symbolically wearing red to celebrate the Labor Party’s commanding electoral victory. The event followed Monday’s announcement of what Mr. Albanese described as “the largest Labor caucus since federation,” with the party securing at least 92 seats and anticipating further gains in Western Australia and Victoria.
Among key cabinet appointments:
- Richard Marles returns as Minister for Defence.
- Penny Wong retains her role as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
- Jim Chalmers continues as Treasurer.
- Katy Gallagher, ACT Senator, has retained a broad portfolio, sworn in as Minister for Finance, Women, Public Service, and Government Services.
- Don Farrell, Tony Burke, Mark Butler, and Chris Bowen also retain their respective portfolios.
Notably, Murray Watt, previously Workplace Relations Minister, now takes over as Minister for the Environment, while Pat Conroy assumes the dual roles of Minister for Defence Industry and Pacific Island Affairs.
Anika Wells, seen arriving with her husband and three young children, has taken on the new position of Minister for Communications and Sport, stepping away from her previous aged care portfolio.
A significant milestone was marked with Anne Aly, Australia’s first female Muslim MP, elevated to cabinet as Minister for Small Business, International Development, and Multicultural Affairs. Senator Tim Ayres was also promoted to serve as Minister for Industry, Innovation, and Science.
Additional appointments in the outer ministry include:
- Matt Keogh – Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel
- Kristy McBain – Minister for Regional Development and Emergency Management
- Andrew Giles – Minister for Skills and Training
The NDIS portfolio will be jointly managed by Senator Jenny McAllister and Mark Butler. Daniel Mulino was sworn in as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, promoted following the departure of Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic from the frontbench.
Rounding out the ministry, Senator Jess Walsh assumes the role of Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth, while Sam Rae becomes Minister for Aged Care and Seniors.
Meanwhile, in a notable development within the opposition, Sussan Ley has become the first woman to lead the Liberal Party, winning a leadership contest against Angus Taylor. Ted O’Brien was elected Deputy Leader, defeating his challenger with a 38-16 vote margin.
The newly sworn-in Albanese administration now begins its second term with a strong parliamentary mandate and a refreshed ministerial lineup, positioning itself to implement its policy agenda and respond to domestic and global challenges ahead.
