Senator Johnston appointed Minister for Defence

Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott has unveiled his new ministry, saying it is one of the most experienced incoming ministries in Australian history.

Abbott has opted for continuity in the key defence portfolio and has appointed Senator David Johnston as Minister for Defence with Stuart Robert in the role of Assistant Minister for Defence.  Abbott has also appointed Victorian Senator Michael Ronaldson as Minister for Veterans Affairs.

Meanwhile, Labor insiders have backed former Justice Minister Jason Clare to take on the role of Opposition Defence spokesman once the Labor leadership battle is resolved in a month's time.

A former Perth lawyer 56-year-old Senator Johnston, was elected as a Liberal Senator for Western Australia in 2001, entering the Senate on 1 July 2002. He became actively involved in a number of committees, which included working on issues relating to defence and national security; native title and workplace relations.

In March 2007 David was appointed by Prime Minister John Howard to serve as Minister for Justice and Customs.

Since the 2007 election David has been a member of the Shadow Ministry, both as Shadow Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism until September 2008 when he was appointed Shadow Minister for Defence and elevated to Shadow Cabinet.