Dramatic cabinet reshuffle expected: media

Rumours are rife that a federal cabinet reshuffle is imminent.

After days of speculation, Fairfax media report that Prime Minister Julia Gillard may announce a new cabinet as early as Sunday, with the changes even more dramatic than expected.

“There are more changes than people first thought,” one senior minister has been quoted as saying. “There’s a bit of a concern from some that there’s payback going on.”

Among the winners are Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten, who is expected to replace Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans, who has reportedly fallen out of favour over his handling of the Qantas crisis.

Senator Evans may well lose his job as the government’s leader in the Senate, with Communications Minister Stephen Conroy taking on some of his duties and Finance Minister Penny Wong becoming deputy Senate leader.

Industry Minister Kim Carr may also be facing the axe. “Either that or she’ll give him the choice [to resign],” a source told The Sun-Herald. Senator Carr’s spokeswoman refused to comment.

Speculation that Attorney-General Robert McClelland would step down got a boost when his phone was diverted to his department, the paper reports.

The big surprise is that Kevin Rudd will remain Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The changes are being seen as a bid by Ms Gillard to surround herself with as many supporters as possible.

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