Angus Taylor, the Opposition Leader, has introduced his revamped shadow ministry, re-integrating the Nationals along with previously sidelined members.

Describing his frontbench as a “new beginning” for the Coalition, Taylor’s announcement follows weeks of upheaval, which included a temporary split between the Nationals and Liberals, a leadership challenge, and the removal of Sussan Ley from her position.

“This team is a blend of seasoned expertise and the emerging talent of the Coalition,” Taylor stated.

He explained that the return of the Nationals was facilitated after they resigned en masse to protest Ley’s decision not to reinstate three dismissed members.

Taylor emphasized that this moment represents a chance to move forward and embrace “unity” within the party.

Jane Hume, the deputy leader, has been appointed as the shadow minister for employment and industrial relations, as well as overseeing productivity and deregulation portfolios.

She was also named the deputy Liberal leader in the Senate.

Ted O’Brien, the former deputy leader under Ley, has been appointed the new shadow foreign affairs minister.

Tim Wilson was appointed the shadow treasurer.

Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Nampjinpa Price, who were both exiled from the frontbench under Ley, have been promoted.

Hastie, who was rumoured to be a contender for the party leadership but did not run, was named the industry and sovereign capability spokesman and the deputy Liberal leader in the House of Representatives.

Price has been tasked as the spokeswoman for small business, skills and training.

James Paterson, an outspoken supporter of Taylor in his bid for Liberal leadership, has been given the defence portfolio previously held by Taylor. 

Claire Chandler has been elevated as the new shadow finance minister. 

Sarah Henderson has also returned to the shadow cabinet for the communications and digital safety portfolio.

Michaelia Cash has been appointed the new shadow attorney-general, replacing one of Ley’s main supporters Andrew Wallace, and will remain the Leader in the Senate.

Andrew Bragg, another key backer of Ley, remains as the shadow housing and homelessness minister and was also given the shadow environment portfolio.

Nationals members Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and Ross Cadell have returned to the shadow cabinet after they were dumped by Ley for breaking shadow cabinet solidarity rules and voting against the party line on the government’s hate laws in January.

Their sacking prompted a mass resignation of the entire Nationals frontbench, which saw the Coalition split for the second time in under a year. 

Julian Leeser, Melissa McIntosh, Dan Tehan, Dave Sharma, Anne Ruston, Aaron Violi, Henry Pike, Tony Pasin, Leah Blyth, Garth Hamilton, James McGrath and Simon Kennedy were also appointed to the shadow cabinet.

Taylor thanked the outgoing members of the shadow ministry for their service.

“We are fortunate to have talent in our party room and are committed to drawing all of it,” he said.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.