Among the changes sworn in is Mark Dreyfus QC, who is sworn in as Attorney-General – a role he held for six months in 2013, in the former Labor administration.

Law Council of Australia president Tass Liveris said the body is looking forward to working with the new federal government’s ministry, noting the significance of Mr Dreyfus’ appointment, specifically.

“I warmly congratulate Mr Dreyfus on his appointment to the role of first law officer,” Mr Liveris said.

“The Attorney-General’s portfolio is a very important one and I know Mr Dreyfus appreciates the weight it carries, having occupied the office previously and been shadow attorney since 2013. For many years the Law Council has worked to ensure the national legal profession enjoys a respectful and open relationship with the office of the Attorney-General, and I am confident that will continue with Mr Dreyfus.

“The Law Council has long enjoyed a constructive and collaborative relationship with Mr Dreyfus and I look forward to working with him to promote the rule of law and administration of justice.”

The new ministry includes Richard Marles, who takes over the defence portfolio from Peter Dutton; Penny Wong, who takes over the foreign affairs portfolio from Marise Payne; Jim Chalmers, who’s been named the new Treasurer, taking over from Josh Frydenberg; Linda Burney, who takes over the Indigenous Australians portfolio from Ken Wyatt; and Katy Gallagher, who takes over the finance portfolio and women portfolio from Simon Birmingham and Marise Payne, respectively. 

Mr Liveris said the 47th Parliament had “ample opportunity for positive reform”.

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“The Law Council has welcomed the Albanese government’s full and unqualified commitment to constitutional recognition of a First Nation’s Voice to Parliament and we look forward to working with Mr Dreyfus, Ms Linda Burney, and other relevant ministers as well as Special Envoy, Senator Patrick Dodson, to guide a successful referendum,” he said.

“We also welcome the commitment to an effective Commonwealth Integrity Commission and will encourage the establishment of a Federal Judicial Commission. The Law Council will also work with the new Parliament to progress implementation of the remaining Respect@Work recommendations and a National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children.

“More broadly we will continue to pursue our long-standing goal of investment in our justice system, including long term, evidence based funding increases to the legal assistance sector, proper resourcing of the courts and funding to meet the access to justice needs in rural, regional and remote communities.”