Serving in the Cabinet is a great privilege. We do so at the request of the Prime Minister in whatever role he asks us to, in service of the Australian people. Our responsibility as Ministers is to get the job done.
The Australian people can expect me to apply the same energy, commitment and leadership in this new role as I have in Immigration and Border Protection. Stopping the boats has saved lives and restored public confidence in our borders and our immigration programme.
People waiting in desperate situations offshore are no longer having their places taken by those illegally entering Australia on boats and we have successfully passed legislation that will see Labor’s legacy caseload of 30,000 people processed and all children out of detention in Australia.
Going forward the Australian Border Force and our work in the region will ensure Australia is better protected against all border threats, including people smuggling.
It has been a pleasure to serve with all the men and women who have made these achievements possible and to do what so many said could not be done.
I will now turn my attention to our welfare system and working to ensure the integrity, dignity and sustainability of our safety net. But the best social service we can afford any Australian to help them deal with the costs of living, is a job. Getting as many Australians as are able off welfare and into work will be one of my core goals.