Carr returns to industry portfolio

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd revealed his new ministry this week, returning Senator Kim Carr as Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science Research and Higher Education.

Tanya Plibersek has retained the health portfolio with medical research added into the mix.

Rudd has redesigned a number of portfolios alongside the reshuffle of ministers.

Mark Butler will move from mental health and ageing to take up the merged climate change and environment portfolio, with Jacinta Collins becoming minister for mental health and ageing. Former environment minister Tony Burke has taken on the immigration portfolio.

Greg Combet resigned as minister for climate change, industry and innovation. He was one of six ministers to tender their resignations in the aftermath of the leadership challenge.

The new cabinet met for the first time yesterday and will spend the next two days in meetings to lay the groundwork for the revamped government.

Overall there were 13 changes made to Cabinet positions, with a record six women holding positions.