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Sidelined ministers face axe in Morrison’s circuit-breaker reshuffle

Scott Morrison appears set to dump two cabinet ministers in an attempt to pull his government out of a deepening crisis over the treatment of women.

Mar 25, 2021, updated Mar 25, 2021
Prime Minister Scott Morrison admits he is frustrated by the mass virus breakouts around the country. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Prime Minister Scott Morrison admits he is frustrated by the mass virus breakouts around the country. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Christian Porter is expected to be stripped of his attorney-general portfolio while he sues the ABC over its reporting of rape allegations, which he denies.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds is also set to shift positions in the reshuffle.

The prime minister refused to confirm the looming reshuffle, which is expected as early as Friday.

“All I can say is that when I make decisions on these matters I will communicate them and my reasons for them,” he told ABC radio on Thursday.

Morrison has received advice from the solicitor-general about direct conflicts of interest that might arise from Porter’s legal action.

He has also sought advice from his department in relation to the attorney-general and ministerial standards, as they relate to perceived conflicts of interest.

“I’m working through those issues with the attorney at the moment,” Morrison said.

“He’s not returning to work for another week or so yet, and that will be done in time for his return.”

The prime minister insists his own position is “absolutely” safe.

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“I’ve been very grateful for the tremendous support I’ve had from all of my colleagues,” he said.

“From my cabinet, my ministers, all the way through to my party room. I have just been overwhelmed by the amount of support that I have received from my colleagues this week. Our party has never been more united.”

Porter has been on stress leave since publicly naming himself as the minister against whom a historical rape allegation had been made.

He strongly denies the allegation and has launched defamation action against the ABC.

Acting attorney-general Michaelia Cash appears the most likely to replace him.

Senator Reynolds went on leave a month ago to receive treatment for a pre-existing heart condition.

At the time, she was facing intense pressure over her handling of rape allegations raised by former staffer Brittany Higgins.

Reynolds could be replaced in defence by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.

She is due to return on April 2 and Porter on March 31.

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