Prime Minister Rudd makes new Ministerial appointments in Arts, Environment and Sport
In the wake of last week's leadership change, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has revealed his new Ministry with changes in the key leisure porfolios of arts, environment and sport.
The changes see:
Tony Burke move from being Minister for the Enviroment to become Minister for Immigration, Multicultural Affairs, Citizenship and the Arts
Catherine King become Minister for Regional Australia, Local Government and Territories
Sharon Bird appointed Minister for Regional Development, Regional Communications and Road Safety
Mark Butler appointed Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Heritage and Water
Gary Grays remain Minister for Resources and Energy, Tourism and Small Business; while Don Farrell adds the role of Minister for Sport to his exising position as Minister Assisting on Tourism.
Former Sport Minister Kate Lundy becomes Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Innovation and Industry and Minister assisting for the Digital Economy.
Speaking about leaving her role as Sport Minister, Senator Lundy stated "I leave the sports portfolio with a sense of pride at what has been achieved in implementing the 'Winning Edge' strategy, boosting the powers of ASADA (the Australian Sport Anti-Doping Agency) and greater investment into integrity in sport measures.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Minister for Sport and would like to put on the record my appreciation to the sports administrators and organisations across the spectrum of sports in Australia.
"I also thank the hard working professionals in the Office for Sport, the Australian Sports Commission and ASADA for their dedication to sport across Australia.
"For me sport plays a powerful role in our society, but I think it is Nelson Mandela who got it right by saying, 'sport has the power to change the worldit has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.'
"I will always be a passionate and vocal advocate for Australian sport."
