Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull announces new cabinet

Canberra, Sep 20: Australia's new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced a new Cabinet on Sunday, describing the reshuffle as a "process of renewal".

"There are some big changes in the cabinet, there are now five women in the cabinet," ABC news quoted Turnbull as saying.

Employment Minister Eric Abetz was relegated to the backbench and his job will be taken over by Michaelia Cash.

Marise Payne has been named the nation's first female defence minister, taking over the role from conservative Kevin Andrews.

Treasurer Joe Hockey will go to the backbench, with Social Services Minister Scott Morrison taking over the portfolio.

Turnbull said outgoing Treasurer Joe Hockey told him he would not seek a frontbench role.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss and Environment Minister Greg Hunt are among the senior members of the government who will remain in their current positions.

IANS