Anthony Albanese set to axe minister’s ‘woke’ job – and why it could point to an early cost-of-living election

EXCLUSIVE 

Anthony Albanese is set to dump the role of assistant minister for the republic after finally realising that most Australians don’t care about much beyond the cost- of-living crisis.

A source close to the Prime Minister told Daily Mail Australia that the Albanese government is trying to distance itself from any ‘woke’ political issues – including Australia becoming a republic – in the aftermath of the Budget. 

The expected timing of any looming reshuffle – before either the winter (July) or summer (December) recess of parliament this year – could also be a major indicator about the timing of the next federal election, according to the source. 

It’s understood Albanese hasn’t been particularly impressed with Matt Thistlethwaite’s selling of a republic referendum, and doesn’t want to be accused of it being a distraction from more important economic challenges. 

Thistlethwaite –  who is a member of the powerful NSW right faction –  won’t fall off the frontbench however, he’s also assistant minister for veterans’ affairs and defence which he’s likely to keep in any reshuffle. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) won’t hold a republic referendum after the defeat of the Voice 

Ministerial reshuffles usually take place ahead of a break in parliamentary proceedings in order to give new ministers time to get across their new responsibilities. 

‘If [the PM] does the reshuffle in July it increases the chances of an early election. If he holds off it’s hard to see him going to the polls before the start of next year,’ the source said.

When deciding on the timing of the next election Mr Albanese also needs to consider the consequences of any federal campaign overlapping with state election campaigns. 

Queenlanders are due for a state election in October this year, while Western Australians go to the polls in February 2025. 

There is also the United States presidential election in November, which will consume a significant amount of focus.  

Back in January, in the wake of the resounding defeat of the Voice referendum, Albanese distanced himself from holding a republic referendum in a second term, if re-elected.

‘I committed to one referendum. We held it. It wasn’t successful, and I think that was disappointing,’ Albanese said. 

Assistant minister for the republic Matt Thistlethwaite (pictured) is set to lose the portfolio at the next reshuffle

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union national secretary Steve Murphy supported the change of heart, saying that putting the republic on hold as an issue was a ‘sober reflection’.

‘AMWU members are consistently saying the government needs to roll their sleeves up and get to work on its commitments to manufacturing jobs, cost of living and housing,’ he said.

It appears that is exactly what the Prime Minister plans to do as he prepares for the next election.