CANBERRA, Australia, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Australian Prime Minister John Howard has named his controversial immigration minister, Philip Ruddock, as the nation's attorney general.
A total of 14 portfolios changed hands in the major reshuffling of posts, but the most controversial change was Ruddock's promotion.
The BBC said Ruddock, who had been immigration minister for seven years, was known for his tough stand on asylum seekers. Amanda Vanstone, a long-time Howard loyalist, who moves from being family and community services minister, will succeed Ruddock.
Howard said the reshuffling will "reinforce the government's commitment to its goals for Australia of national security, economic strength and social stability".
He said he did not anticipate any further reshuffles between now and the next election, which must take place before the end of 2004.
The BBC said the change in posts was prompted by the surprise resignation of Communications Minister Richard Alston, who left for personal reasons.
