Tony Pasin demoted in new Coalition team

The Murraylands’ representative in Canberra, federal MP Tony Pasin, has lost his spot in the Coalition’s shadow ministry as he begins another stint in opposition.

The Liberals and Nationals revealed a new-look line-up under incoming Opposition Leader Sussan Ley last week.

Mr Pasin did not receive a portfolio – or focus area – and will instead sit on the backbench.

He had previously served as the opposition’s roads and road safety spokesman under Peter Dutton.

In a statement, the long-serving MP said he would continue to be a “frank and fearless” advocate for communities across the electorate of Barker, and to pursue policy “consistent with true Liberal values”.

He was proud of the road safety policy the Coalition had taken to this year’s election, he said.

The Coalition was left with just 43 lower-house MPs in federal parliament after May’s election loss, 15 fewer than before.

Mr Pasin will be one of just two from South Australia.

The Liberals will also have five South Australian Senators, including the re-elected Anne Ruston and Alex Antic.

Ms Ruston will serve as the Coalition’s health and aged care spokeswoman, Kerryne Liddle will speak for the party on social services and Indigenous affairs, and Leah Blyth will be assistant spokeswoman for stronger families and stronger communities.

On the government side, South Australian Senator Penny Wong will continue as Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Don Farrell will be Trade and Tourism Minister, and lower-house MPs Mark Butler and Amanda Rishworth will also continue to serve in the ministry.