Australian Prime Minister John Howard reshuffled his cabinet Wednesday with an aim to invigorate the government before this year's general elections.

Helen Coonan has been elevated from Assistant Treasurer to Communications Minister. Ian Campbell, currently Local Government Minister, will be the Environment Minister.

The changes will "demonstrate the depth of talent available to the (ruling) coalition," Howard told a press conference in Melbourne.

The reshuffle came as Communications Minister Daryl Williams, Environment Minister David Kemp and parliamentary secretary Chris Gallus have announced their retirement from the parliament at the next election, the date of which hasn't been announced.

There won't be changes to the government's policies because of the cabinet reshuffle, Howard said.

In other changes, Mal Brough will move from his position as employment services and minister assisting the minister for defence to the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer. His current portfolios will be taken by Parliamentary Secretary Fran Bailey.

Jim Lloyd is now Minister for Local government, Territories andRoads. Kerry Bartlett will replace Lloyd as chief government whip.Enditem

Sourcve: Xinhua