Abbott: new front bench announced

(Tuesday 8 December 2009)

New federal opposition leader Tony Abbott has named his new shadow ministry.

Among the new lineup are many familiar faces from John Howard’s cabinet, including Bronwyn Bishop, Kevin Andrews and Philip Ruddock.

“Today I am announcing a new team that will be focused on criticising the Government rather than speculating about ourselves," said Mr Abbott.

"It's a good team, it's a tough team, it's an energetic team and it's a team that is determined to take the fight to the Government."

(read the full story at http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/12/08/2764942.htm)

Who's Who biography

ABBOTT The Hon. (Tony) Anthony John; BEc, LLB (Syd.), MA (Oxon); Leader of the Opposition, since 2009; Leader of the Liberal Party of Australia, since 2009; MHR (Lib.) for Warringah, New South Wales, since 1994; son of: Richard and Fay Abbott; b. Nov. 4 1957; ed. St Ignatius Coll. (Riverview), Univ. Syd., Univ. Oxford, St Patrick's Seminary; career: Fed. Shadow Minr for Housing 2008-09, for Families Community Svces and Indigenous Affairs 2007-09, for the Voluntary Sector 2007-08, Minr for Health and Ageing 2003-07, Ldr House of Reps 2001-07, Fed. Minr for Employment and Workplace Rels 2001-03, Asstg the PM for the Pub. Svce 2001-03, Employment Workplace Rels and Small Bus. 2001, Employment Svces 1998-2001, Fed. Parlty Sec. to Minr for Employment, Educ. Training and Youth Affairs 1996-98; Exec. Dir Aust. for Constitutional Monarchy 1993-94, Press Sec. Ldr Fed. Opposition 1990-93, former Jrnlst The Australian and The Bulletin; recipient Nat. Ldrship in Advocacy Award `Thank You Day' Awards 2006, Centenary Medal 2003; publications: The Minimal Monarchy 1995, How to Win the Constitutional War 1997, Battlelines 2009; m.  Sep. 24 1988 Margaret Aitken; children: 3 d; recreations: camping, surfing, fishing, playing guitar; address: Level 2, 17 Sydney Road, Manly NSW 2095.

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