Turnbull`s team shows he`s a ladies` man

Behind every successful man ... Julie Bishop and Malcolm Turnbull

Helen Coonan, Julie Bishop given key roles
Front bench named as Libs boosted by polls
Bishop first woman to take on treasury portfolio

FORMER Howard government minister Helen Coonan is the Coalition`s foreign affairs spokeswoman as part of a new-look Opposition front bench.

And Western Australia`s Julie Bishop has been confirmed as the first woman from either of the major parties to take on the prized treasury portfolio.

Malcolm Turnbull unveiled the Coalition`s shadow ministry at midday with Senator Coonan, a former Communication minister, one of a series of big changes.

Senator Coonan will face off against the Rudd government`s Stephen Smith, who is currently in New York for the United Nations` General Assembly.

The frontbench announcement comes as Coalition MPs arrived back in Canberra this morning, buoyed by a lift in opinion polls after last week`s leadership change - and determined to attack Kevin "747`` Rudd ahead of his departure later today for New York.

The Prime Minister has come under fire from the Coalition for heading to the UN - rather than spending the week in Parliament.

Mr Turnbull today named Joe Hockey as finance spokesman, and Chris Pearce will be financial services, superannuation and corporate law spokesman. Tony Smith will be deputy treasury spokesman.

"We have put together an economic team to provide leadership that has been so sadly lacking from the Rudd government," Mr Turnbull said.

Nationals Leader Warren Truss will be responsible for trade, transport, regional development and local government.

He will be assisted by Senator Ian Macdonald (northern Australia), Barry Haase (roads and transport) and John Forrest (regional development).

The Opposition`s leader in the Senate, Nick Minchin, will be spokesman for broadband communications and the digital economy.

Senior Liberal strategist and former foreign affairs spokesman Andrew Robb will take on a new portfolio dealing with climate change.

Bruce Billson will work alongside Mr Robb as the Opposition spokesman for sustainable development and cities, while Greg Hunt retains the environment job.

It is believed Mr Turnbull asked Ms Bishop, the deputy Opposition leader, to be his Treasury spokesman shortly after he narrowly defeated Brendan Nelson in last Tuesday`s leadership ballot.

The first wave of opinion polls since then show a predictable bounce in support for Mr Turnbull against Mr Rudd.

Labor`s overwhelming lead over the Coalition has also been whittled back after last week`s leadership change.

Maverick West Australian Liberal Wilson Tuckey was today "delighted`` by the first Newspoll after Mr Turnbull`s election last week.

"It`s encouraging,`` he said.

"The easiest election to win after you`ve lost (an election) is the next one. They get harder then.``

With AAP

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Behind every successful man ... Julie Bishop and Malcolm Turnbull

Shadow ministry winners and losers

WINNERS

Julie Bishop, Treasury spokeswoman

Helen Coonan, Foreign Affairs

Peter Dutton, Health and AgeingDavid Johnston, Defence

Christopher Pyne, Education, Apprenticeships and Training

Michael Keenan, Employment and Workplace Relations

Sharman Stone, Immigration and Citizenship

Steven Ciobo, Small Business, Independent Contractors, Tourism and the Arts

Louise Markas, Veteran Affairs

Sophie Mirrabella, Early Childhood Education, Childcare, Women and Youth

Chris Pearce, Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law

LOSERS

Bronwyn Bishop, dumped

Pat Farmer, dumped

Bruce Billson, demoted

Tony Smith, demoted

NOT CONSIDERED

Brendan Nelson

Chris Ellison

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Your say

Have Your Say

Latest Comments:

Mark of Perth (33) She doesn't understand like you and I that "the public" had an unstable spike in November 07. "Workchoices" abolished !! , I can hear the sound of casuals everywhere yelping "Gillards a bitch" , they will never get a part-time or fulltime job now.The labors of anarchy are upon us and some are in transit again, go Kevin 747, is he really trying to reduce carbon emissions via jet fuel exhausts , is it working? maybe that unstable spike is still around?
Posted by: First Geoff of Sydney 2:54pm today

I find it intersting that the Lefties think one is arrogant if one speaks well, have had a good education and were raised in a nice suburb. Also intersting that it's the left who try to create the class divide in this country. Sour grapes really isnt it.
Posted by: Jack of NSW 2:51pm today

Now we've got neocons coming hard and fast. Australia, I fear we're nearing the end, more US style government, enrich the rich and screw the people at all cost.
Posted by: Rob 2:51pm today

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