LEADER of the Opposition, Angus Taylor has announced his shadow ministry, which includes Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh and brings back firebrand Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Andrew Hastie MP.
“Melissa McIntosh will take on the role of Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services, Shadow Minister for the NDIS, and Shadow Minister for Women,” Mr Taylor said.
“This is a key economic portfolio: lifting participation, reducing long-term unemployment, and ensuring families can get ahead. Melissa will be on the front line fighting for Australian families that are falling further and further behind under this prime minister.”
The appointment places Mrs McIntosh at the centre of some of the nation’s most critical policy debates, including cost of living pressures, workforce participation and disability support.
“It is an honour to be appointed to Angus Taylor’s Shadow Cabinet. As the Leader of the Opposition said, this is a key economic portfolio: lifting participation, reducing long-term unemployment, and ensuring families can get ahead,” Mrs McIntosh said.
“I will be on the front line fighting for Australian families that are falling further and further behind under the Albanese Government. My new portfolios touch the lives of millions of Australians.
“From people starting a family, age pensioners or people needing financial assistance in their time of need, our social services system is there to support them. More than 5.3 million Australians over the age of 16 receive support through the social services portfolio.
“The National Disability Insurance Scheme supports nearly 800,000 Australians. People with disability and their families deserve the very best care and support to live independent and fulfilling lives.
“Every week I receive complaints to my office in Western Sydney about delays and cuts to people’s NDIS plans, providers taking advantage of our most vulnerable citizens or providers not getting paid. I am pleased to continue in my role as Shadow Minister for Women. There are so many opportunities to protect and better the lives of women across our nation. I am committed to better health access and outcomes for all women and girls, supporting women escaping domestic violence, improving financial security and better education and work pathways.”
