Master Builders Victoria is pleased to provide members with an update on the 2022 Federal Election result on 21 May. 

The counting of votes in the 2022 Federal Election is edging towards completion. 

MBV has now got a clearer picture of the likely make-up of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.   

The opportunities and challenges for the building and construction industry over the next three years are broad and diverse. Material shortages and the cost escalation of key materials such as timber and steel being some of the key challenges the industry continues to face. 

The vast majority, if not all, of our state's builders, are experiencing a challenge to their profitability, with the cost of building a home in Victoria rising faster than in any other state. 

The Albanese Government has pledged to plant more trees in the ground, invest in value adding so more timber products are made at home, and train the timber industry workforce in a way that recognises the unique needs of our sector. 

MBV congratulates the Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese MP and the individuals who were last night named in the new Albanese Ministry.  

MBV commends the Prime Minister on the inclusion of the housing portfolio in Cabinet and the appointment of 10 women in the Ministry. 

Here is the full Cabinet announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last evening with Victorian MPs and Senators in bold: 

  • Richard Marles - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence 
  • Catherine King - Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 
  • Bill Shorten - Minister for the NDIS and Minister for Government Services 
  • Mark Dreyfus - Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary 
  • Brendan O’Connor - Minister for Skills and Training 
  • Clare O’Neil - Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cybersecurity 
  • Penny Wong - Senate Leader and Minister for Foreign Affairs 
  • Don Farrell - Deputy Senate Leader, Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State 
  • Jim Chalmers - Treasurer 
  • Katy Gallagher - Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Women 
  • Tony Burke - Leader of the House, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for the Arts 
  • Mark Butler - Deputy Leader of the House and Minister for Health and Aged Care 
  • Chris Bowen - Minister for Climate Change and Energy 
  • Tanya Plibersek - Minister for the Environment and Water 
  • Linda Burney - Minister for Indigenous Australians 
  • Amanda Rishworth - Minister for Social Services 
  • Jason Clare - Minister for Education 
  • Julie Collins - Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Small Business 
  • Michelle Rowland - Minister for Communications 
  • Madeleine King - Minister for Resources and the Minister for Northern Australia 
  • Murray Watt - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Emergency Management 
  • Ed Husic - Minister for Industry and Science 

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party has elected Peter Dutton as its new leader succeeding Scott Morrison while the Nationals have appointed David Littleproud to replace Barnaby Joyce. 

Sussan Ley has been elected as the new Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party while Senator for New South Wales Perin Davey is the new Deputy Leader of the Nationals. 

Here is a quick summary of the current state of play in the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

  • The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has 77 seats, one more than the 76 required for a majority in the House of Representatives. This means the Government will be able to pass legislation without support from any other parties/independents.  
  • The Opposition Liberal/National Coalition has 58 seats.  
  • The Opposition would need support from almost every non-ALP MP to stop legislation or successfully oppose legislation. 

THE SENATE 

  • If the final tally falls as predicted in the Senate, the ALP will not meet the required number to have a majority (39) and reach 26 spots.  
  • However, combined with the Greens (12), the Government will reach 38. To pass legislation, the Government will need to have the support of one of the remaining six non-major party Senators.  


2 of 40 seats in VIC and SA remain in doubt.