Following a cabinet reshuffle announced today by Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Australia’s Senator Kim Carr has lost his position as Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research to Australian Labor Party member Greg Combet.

After the 2007 federal election, Senator Carr, also a member of the Australian Labor Party, was appointed Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research by the then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Senator Carr was then re-elected in the 2010 election and retained his portfolio in the Gillard Government.

Following the reshuffle, Senator Carr has been appointed the role Minister for Manufacturing, a newly created outer ministry position.

Applauding Senator Carr’s work with the food industry during his time in the role, the Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC)’s CEO Kate Carnell said, “Senator Carr’s work on the Food Processing Industry Innovation Strategy has been successful in ensuring Australia‘s food and grocery manufacturing industry continues to attract investment and build new capabilities.

“This important strategy – along with the National Food Plan – will help to improve industry‘s competitiveness, future sustainability and allow the manufacturing industry to continue to grow and employ,” she said.

Senator Combet will retain his previously held responsibilities for the Climate Change and Energy Efficiency portfolio as well as taking on the role of Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

The new Ministry is due to be sworn on Wednesday 14 December 2011.

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