New shadow minister for employment wrapped up in re-count drama

The reunited Coalition has named MP for Goldstein Tim Wilson as the new shadow minister for industrial relations and employment, despite still being wrapped up in re-count drama with Teal MP Zoe Daniel.

After a short-term split between the Nationals and Liberals, the reformed Coalition has named its shadow cabinet – with a new shadow minister for industrial relations and employment.

The split came over disagreements on various policies, including supermarkets, nuclear energy, and the establishment of a $20 billion regional Australia Future Fund.

Now, the leaders of the Liberal and National parties, Sussan Ley and David Littleproud, have named their shadow cabinet.

Wilson narrowly defeated Teal Zoe Daniel in Goldstein by just 260, despite Daniel claiming victory on 3 May.

Although Wilson has now claimed victory and been appointed to a new cabinet position, Daniel is yet to concede defeat – instead requesting that the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) commence a full re-count.

In a statement, the AEC confirmed that it would undergo a re-count of Goldstein, however, only a partial one.

“The re-count being undertaken will be limited to an examination of all first preference ballot paper,” the body said.

On his X account, Wilson accused Daniel of “needlessly seeding questions about the AEC’s processes”.

“I have lived political grief. I have empathy for how hard it is. But one of the best things I did after the 2022 election was get to ‘acceptance’ quickly in the interests of the voters, my volunteers, and myself,” he said.

“We have been very relaxed about every count and re-count to date in Goldstein, as we know the count will deliver the result that reflects the will of the people of Goldstein.”

The re-count began yesterday morning (28 May) and is expected to take close to four days.

If the re-count does go Wilson’s way, he will square off with new Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth, who was appointed by Anthony Albanese, taking over from Murray Watt, who now resides in the environmental portfolio.

Workplace policies were a hotly contested aspect of the 2025 federal election campaigns and will continue to be a source of great debate as Labor continues to implement new workplace measures.

Minister Rishworth has been tasked with implementing the move to ban non-compete clauses for workers who earn less than the high-income threshold ($175,000), which was a marquee policy proposal during the election campaign.

“Australian small businesses and households need economic hope, not hogties,” Wilson said in a statement.

“I’m humbled by this appointment, and particularly the portfolio because I know how passionate Sussan is about small business.

“Labor’s vision for small business is budget revenue and inspiration for hogtie regulation, the Coalition vision for small business is the nucleus of Australia’s prosperity, growth, jobs and innovation. I know whose side I am on.”

Innes Willox, chief executive of national employer association the Australian Industry Group, echoed this sentiment during his address to the newly announced shadow front bench.

“We look forward to working with the opposition, as well as the government, to [help] inform policy development that builds Australia’s security, prosperity and resilience. The role of highly competitive and successful Australian industry is crucial to achieving those three crucial objectives,” he said.

“Given global volatility and domestic economic conditions, this is an exceedingly tough time to be in business. We need a serious reform agenda with boosting productivity at its core to help all Australians navigate these difficult times.

“As well as working with Liberal leader Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud, we particularly look forward to dealing with shadow ministers across the economy, industry policy, energy, education and skills, national security, trade and infrastructure.”

With the Annual Wage Review set to be released next month and other proposed pay rises by the Fair Work Commission stoking debates between employers and unions, both ministers are set to have their hands full.