Carr steps into shadow ministry role

FORMER industry minister Kim Carr has stepped up to the shadow industry role in the opposition frontbench line-up announced today by new Labor leader Bill Shorten.

Mr Carr will act as shadow minister for higher education, research, innovation and industry as part of a shake-up revealed today that elevates 11 women to senior roles.

Mr Carr also takes on the role assisting Mr Shorten as the shadow minister assisting the leader for science.

However, while Mr Carr said he was honoured to be named in the shadow cabinet, he did not specifically address Australia’s beleaguered car-making industry, which is at a crossroads as it plans for a future beyond 2016.

“I will continue to advocate the central importance of innovation in building the new Australia, one that is richer, fairer and greener,” he said in a statement issued shortly after the new cabinet was named.

“Linking these portfolios together has always been vital to getting the most out of the entire innovation ecosystem: across universities, industry and the science and research communities.

“Innovation is where white coat meets blue collar.”

Mr Carr said science and research were critical to the modernisation of Australian industry and to securing high-wage, high-skill jobs for Australians.

“Innovation has long been at the heart of my Parliamentary work and I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue prosecuting Labor’s agenda in this portfolio,” he said.

“Over this time I have developed strong relationships with a wide range of people right across the innovation system and I look forward to continuing to work with them.”

Penny Wong is elevated under Mr Shorten’s cabinet to drop her former finance and deregulation role to take on the shadow role as minister for trade and investment.

Former infrastructure and transport minister – and defeated ALP leadership candidate – Anthony Albanese retains his portfolio, while former immigration minister Tony Burke moves to the shadow finance portfolio.

Newly named deputy leader Tanya Plibersek takes on foreign affairs and international development – an important role as several free trade agreements are thrashed out – while Chris Bowen retains the role as shadow treasurer.