Hon Kevin Andrews MP takes over as Minister for Defence

In a pre-Christmas cabinet re-schuffle, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced that Defence Minister David Johnston has been dumped in favour of veteran Victorian MP Kevin Andrews. “The Hon Kevin Andrews MP will become the Minister for Defence. He is one of the most experienced ministers in the government and his appointment will ensure we continue to build a safe and secure Australia in a challenging world”, Abbott confirmed.

Andrews will need to hit the ground running as 2015 shapes as a critical year for Defence with planned releases of a new Defence White Paper, the Defence First Principles Review and an updated Defence Capability Plan. Decisions on LAND 400, AIR 5428 and the way forward for the controversial SEA 1000 Future Submarines project will also demand immediate attention.

In a statement, Senator Johnston thanked the men and women of the defence force and promised to make an ongoing contribution to the Abbott government.

Source:   ANZDD