Ex-rocker Peter Garrett looks set for a front bench promotion in an Opposition reshuffle.
The Australian has reported that Opposition leader Kim Beazley will reshuffle his front bench after Christmas, dropping the old guard and adding newer members of the party to remain fresh and to quieten criticism of his leadership.Sources say Beazley will promote former Midnight Oil frontman and now Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Reconciliation and the Arts to the front bench. It's reported that Garrett will most likely be given the "climate change" portfolio, which will require him to respond to the Howard Government on issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and water shortages.
This portfolio suits Garrett perfectly, considering his work as president of the Australian Conservation Foundation from 1989 to 1993 and again from 1998 to 2004. Garrett was also on the International Board of Greenpeace for two years and was awarded the Australian Humanitarian Foundation Award in the Environment category in 2000.
While these are specifically "green" credentials, the formerly outspoken singer has softened his militant politics to align more closely with the mainstream ideals of the ALP since he joined in 2004.
