Nationals Members and Senators have increased their representation on the Coalition frontbench.

Mr Joyce said the Nationals had an expanded role in the new Coalition Ministry with a fifth Cabinet Minister joining the frontbench team of nine.

“I congratulate those Members and Senators who will either retain their existing ministries or who will take on new portfolio responsibilities,” Mr Joyce said. 

Mr Joyce said he was also pleased to continue in his role in the agriculture and water portfolio.

“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to serve a second term as Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources. I will continue to put agriculture in a prominent position on our national agenda—where it belongs—and work to position the sector for a strong and prosperous future,” he said.

Mr Joyce had requested more “relevant” portfolios in cabinet for National Party members.

“The National Party member’s wanted cabinet positions that reflect the things that they are driving for in their electorates,” he said.

“You can’t always be completely parochial but if you want more mobile phone towers then you will need regional communications, if you are making sure that our trade agreements have a strong weighting towards agricultural products then you need someone in trade - the trade portfolio,” he said.

“I especially congratulate Deputy Nationals Leader, Senator Fiona Nash, on her new-look portfolio of Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.

“Senator Matt Canavan will enter Cabinet as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia – a role I know he will take on with gusto and Nationals Senate leader Nigel Scullion will continue his excellent and crucial work in the Indigenous Affairs portfolio, as will Darren Chester in his Cabinet role as Infrastructure and Transport Minister.”