Impacts of Barnaby Joyce’s return to the leadership of the Nationals continue to be felt.
Over the weekend, the minor Coalition partner in the Australian government shook up its allocated portfolios, as Joyce backers made returns, and those who stood by the departed leader were also shown the exit. Filling the portfolio responsibilities of former leader Michael McCormack last week, Barnaby Joyce has taken on Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development which includes being the senior minister to Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher. In regional communications, Mark Coulton has been dumped for Senator Bridget McKenzie, who takes on a title of Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education and as Minister for Drought and Emergency Management.
