Barnaby Joyce will take over the Federal Infrastructure and Transport portfolio from Darren Chester, following a cabinet reshuffle.
In a press conference this week addressing the reshuffle, Mr. Chester reflected on his time in the role.
“As the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, I’ve been very fortunate to be in a position to really have an impact on people’s lives. In fact, that portfolio is the one I regard as the best portfolio in the Federal Parliament.
“It is a portfolio where you get to change people’s lives and save people’s lives, where you get to reduce congestion, improve productivity, and also reduce road trauma through our road safety initiatives.
“So it has been a great honour and a privilege to serve in that role, but politics is a tough game, and as the Prime Minister said today [sic], he had to make some tough decisions regarding the allocation of portfolios, and on this occasion I’ve missed out.
“So I don’t particularly feel sorry for myself at all, I feel more privileged for the fact that I’ve had the opportunity over the past 20 months. I look forward now to redoubling my efforts here [sic] in the electorate of Gippsland.”