Labor MPs from the party’s New South Wales right faction say any move to cut their numbers in the next ministry would be a backwards step for Labor, amid concerns the industry minister, Ed Husic, or another Sydney-based frontbencher could be demoted.
Victorian right faction MPs – led by the deputy prime minister, Richard Marles – are pushing for NSW to lose a place at the top of the government, after Labor significantly expanded its numbers at the election.
MPs from Victoria and other states believe the NSW right faction is overrepresented, with six places in the ministry. The left is expected to add an extra position, due to its growing presence in the party’s caucus.
Amid the jostling, supporters told Guardian Australia that Husic brought religious and cultural diversity to cabinet and had performed strongly in the industry and science portfolio.
“It would be disappointing if any member of the government’s leadership group was moved,” one MP said. “Factional shenanigans like this aren’t in anyone’s interest and rank and file members don’t want to see disunity from Labor when we should be riding high.”
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Husic conceded last year that many Muslim and Arab Australiansdid not feel listened to by the Albanese governmentover Israel’s war in Gaza, describing his public interventions as necessary so that people believed “that their concerns have somewhere to go to be vented and aired”.
He also called for a cut to the corporate tax rate last year, in a bid to encourage artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, frustrating some colleagues.
MPs speaking on the condition of anonymity on Wednesday, due to the sensitivity of factional discussions ahead of a caucus meeting on Friday, said cultural and religious diversity should be respected on Labor’s frontbench.
“The ministry has provided support to the prime minister and we should stick with what is a winning formula,” one said.
There is a view internally that women won’t be cut from cabinet, though the communications minister, Michelle Rowland, could be shifted to another portfolio.
Frontbenchers includingChris Bowen, Tony Burke and Jason Clare all come from the NSW right.
Bowen could be chosen to lead the United Nations climate summitexpected to take place in Adelaide in 2026, a position usually held by a senior government figure.
The NSW senator and assistant ministerTim Ayres is considered close to a sure bet for elevation, in the position vacated by former assistant treasurer Stephen Jones. Ayres is personally close to Albanese, well regarded among colleagues and is a member of the ALP’s powerful national executive.
Along with the incoming Tasmanian MP Rebecca White, a former state opposition leader, likely appointments from the left include Victorians Jess Walsh and Ged Kearney.
Labor MPs and party figures all stressed that Albanese’s decisive election victory meant his authority within the party had reached a new peak.
“In one sense it is a return to government as usual,” one factional player said. “The PM can decide whatever he wants but the numbers are what is important.”
Labor’s rules dictate that the factions choose members for 20 cabinet positions, with the leader assigning portfolios. Another 10 outer ministry roles and other appointments are also chosen by the leader.
Albanese is part of the NSW left faction, along with ministers including Tanya Plibersek and Pat Conroy. Ayres and MPs Julian Hill and Sharon Claydon are national conveyors for the faction.
Along with Bowen, Burke and Husic, NSW right members include Michelle Rowland, Tony Sheldon and Deborah O’Neill. The trade minister, Don Farrell, and Matt Thistlethwaite are the right’s national conveners.
In Victoria, left powerbrokers include Andrew Giles and Hill. The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, and the assistant minister Anthony Chisholm are powerful within the Queensland right.
Known for sometimes savage tactical fights, the factions help set policy and organise candidates. The left has been traditionally more progressive and focused on social issues, while the right is more economically focused and socially conservative.
The finance minister, Katy Gallagher, on Wednesday said Labor wanted to deliver on its policies, including through cabinet makeup.
“A lot of people want to play a role in that, which is expected, and there’s huge opportunities for everyone, I think.”