Fed: Nats lose trade portfolio in opposition

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2007
Fed: Nats lose trade portfolio in opposition

CANBERRA, Dec 6 AAP - The Nationals have lost the plum trade portfolio and hold just
three of the 20 positions on the opposition cabinet positions unveiled today.

The junior coalition partner has been reduced to an historic low of 10 House of Representative
seats after losing two seats - Page in NSW and Dawson in Queensland - at the November
24 poll.

In the former Howard government, the Nationals held the key cabinet portfolios of transport,
trade and agriculture.

But Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson has given the trade portfolio to former industry
minister Ian MacFarlane, a Queensland Liberal MP.

Nationals Leader Warren Truss will be the opposition's spokesman on infrastructure,
transport and local government.

His deputy Nigel Scullion assumes responsibility for agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

John Cobb - dumped from the Howard frontbench after a reshuffle last year - has been
promoted to the opposition cabinet taking responsibility for regional development and
water security.

Luke Hartsuyker becomes spokesman for business development, independent contractors
and consumer affairs on the outer front bench.

Two MPs will act as shadow parliamentary secretaries - John Forrest (trade) and newcomer
Mark Coulton (ageing and the voluntary sector).

AAP mj/rl/jlw/bwl

KEYWORD: NATIONALS FRONTBENCH

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