Deck Chair Time - Howard Scrambles Environment Jobs, Leaves Econ Portfolios Untouched - Reuters

[hatrack]

CANBERRA - Australian Prime Minister John Howard announced a reshuffle of ministers on Tuesday, leaving key economic portfolios unchanged, but signalling the environment will be a key issue during an election year.

Treasurer Peter Costello, Finance Minister Nick Minchin, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Defence Minister Brendan Nelson were kept in their posts. Howard promoted high-profile politician Malcolm Turnbull to the cabinet portfolio responsible for the environment and water resources as much of Australia continues to suffer water shortages after the worst drought in a century.

"I think it is an effective concentration of the firepower of the prominent people within the government. There is no doubt issues relating to climate change and water are going to be important," Howard told reporters.

Trailing in the polls after almost 11 years in power, Howard is due to call an election in the second half of this year, with climate change, work laws and Australia's ongoing troop deployment to Iraq shaping up as key issues.

EDIT

http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/39981/story.htm

[Dead_Parrot]

1. "going to be important" !?

Err, John, in case you hadn't noticed, your country is on fire.