Andrew Gee says it's a 'privilege' to be appointed Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel by returning Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, who dumped key cabinet member Darren Chester in favour of the federal member for Calare.
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Mr Gee's promotion came amid several changes to the party's frontbench following the leadership spill, which Mr Joyce announced on Sunday as he rewarded his supporters while booting his detractors from cabinet.
The new frontbench will be sworn in on Friday, with former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack remaining on the backbench after losing his job as Nationals leader.
"I acknowledge the exceptional dedication and hard work that Darren Chester brought to his role as minister," Mr Gee said, in a statement released on Sunday night.
"I'm really looking forward to working with all veterans and ensuring their service to this nation is recognised and respected and their voices are heard.
"The welfare and care of those who've given so much to our country is vitally important and I'm determined to advocate as hard as I possibly can for all of them.
"I appreciate that being in government is a rare gift that gives us the opportunity to deliver results for the people we represent.
"For me that means strong representation for all veterans and also country communities."
As part of the shake-up Mark Coulton loses his role as Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, while David Gillespie comes back to the frontbench as the Minister for Regional Health.
Senator Bridget McKenzie returns to cabinet less than 18 months after resigning following the sport rorts scandal, to take up the position of Minister for Regional Education, Regional Communications and Decentralisation.
Kevin Hogan takes on the role of Minister for Local Government and remains Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister.
Michelle Landry remains Assistant Minister for Children and Families, but loses the role of Assistant Minister for Northern Australia. Senator Susan McDonald will take on those responsibilities as a special envoy for Northern Australia.
Keith Pitt, currently Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, will move from the cabinet to the outer ministry.
"Our nation faces major challenges and the decisions we make now will have a huge impact on the Australia we hand down to our children and grandchildren," Mr Gee said.
"As Nationals we'll work with our Coalition colleagues to pass these tests and continue to get runs on the board for all Australians."
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