LUKE Hartsuyker will assume responsibility for implementing Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s Green Army and a major indigenous employment program.
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The re-elected federal member for Cowper was sworn in as Assistant Minister for Employment and Deputy Leader of the House at a ceremony in Canberra on Wednesday.
The roles are within the Prime Minister’s outer ministry.
“I’m delighted with my appointment - my sleeves are rolled up already,” Mr Hartsuyker told The Argus.
“I’ve had meetings with Senator Eric Abetz (who holds the Cabinet position of Minister for Employment) and extensive briefings with different departments.
“My work has begun.”
Mr Hartsuyker’s brief includes responsibility for job networks, employment services and work-for-dole programs.
“There’s a range of new job programs as part of our election commitment,” he said.
“I’ll be involved with overseeing the Green Army and Twiggy Forrest’s Generation One indigenous employment program.”
Mr Hartsuyker said Tony Abbott had taken a close interest in indigenous employment and there would be a degree of dovetailing between the offices of Prime Minister and Cabinet and Employment.
He was due to receive a letter of charter last week, outlining the full extent of his ministerial responsibilties.
The Nationals’ member has retained his deputy status to the Liberals’ Christopher Pyne.
The role of Deputy Leader of the House in government is effectively equivalent to that of Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the last parliament.
