Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shifted problem ministers around to create the appearance that action has been taken.

The PM is attempting to recover from weeks of political damage over the treatment of women, from stories of harassment to the denial of serious sex crimes. 

He has named Peter Dutton as Defence Minister and leader of the government in the House of Representatives, while Michaelia Cash becomes the new Attorney-General and Industrial Relations Minister.

Industry Minister Karen Andrews will become the Minister for Home Affairs, making her one of the cabinet’s most senior women.

Christian Porter, who has been on leave since he revealed he was the person at the centre of rape allegations that he strongly denies,will become Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, replacing Ms Andrews.

Social Services Minister Anne Ruston has been named as a member of the cabinet’s ‘leadership team’, while Financial Services Minister Jane Hume will take on the additional portfolio of women’s economic security.

Stuart Robert is moving from government services to become Employment Minister, replacing Senator Michaelia Cash.

Mr Morrison has also restored Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price to cabinet in her existing portfolio.

The reshuffle has been seen as an effort to distract from the horrific treatment of women by political parties and parliament. 

“These changes will shake up what needs shaking up,” Mr Morrison said.

“What we must do is address the government’s agenda with the changes we are making.”

He also announced a new cabinet taskforce that will focus on women’s equality, safety, economic security, health and wellbeing. 

Mr Morrison will co-chair the group alongside the Minister for Women, Marise Payne. Its members include Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Finance Minister Simon Birmingham, and any female ministers.

The changes mean the federal cabinet now has seven women: Senator Payne, Senator Ruston, Senator Cash, Senator Reynolds, Ms Andrews, Ms Price and Environment Minister Sussan Ley.