Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA welcomes the Shadow Ministry unveiled by newly-appointed Australian Labor Party (ALP) leader Anthony Albanese.

Tony Burke has been announced Labor’s new Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations.

Mr Burke, a union organiser for the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association from 1997-2003, tweeted he was “really happy” with the announcement, saying he will “be on the frontline of defending people’s pay and conditions at work in the IR portfolio”.

Mr Burke remains a prominent Labor frontbencher as manager of Opposition business in the House of Representatives.

AREEA and its members welcome Mr Burke and look forward to the Opposition unveiling a plan Australia’s workplace relations system that unlocks future national opportunities.

After six years as Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Brendan O’Connor moves to the Employment, Industry, Science, Small and Family Business portfolios.

“Australia must develop a robust and modern economy that will ensure prosperity for all Australians. One that puts innovation at the centre of building a new and fairer Australia.”

Joel Fitzgibbon has been reappointed as Shadow Minister for Agriculture and also takes on the resources portfolio.

“I know the agriculture, mining, oil and gas industries well and will use my position to emphasise their importance to the national economy and the regional jobs they create,” he said.

In other relevant frontbench roles for AREEA members, Tanya Plibersek remains Shadow Minister for Education and Training, Murray Watt takes on the Northern Australia portfolio.

Mr Albanese said the frontbench had the “talent and experience” to hold the Morrison Government to account and develop a policy platform worthy of the support of Australians at the next election.

“My team includes a blend of experienced former Government Ministers, as well as talented newcomers whose enthusiasm and fresh ideas will reinvigorate Labor over the next three years,” he said.