Cabinet reshuffle: Tony Abbott's new frontbench team sworn in

Prime Minister Tony Abbott's new frontbench team has been sworn in at a ceremony at Government House.

The reshuffle was sparked by the resignation of Assistant Treasurer Arthur Sinodinos last week.

Josh Frydenberg will take over from Senator Sinodinos.

Scott Morrison has been appointed the Minister for Social Services, taking on an expanded portfolio which includes welfare, families, child care and the paid parental leave scheme.

David Johnston was dumped as Defence Minister and replaced by Kevin Andrews.

Peter Dutton has moved to immigration and his former portfolio of health has gone to Sussan Ley.

In other changes, Steve Ciobo replaced Brett Mason as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Minister and there are three new appointments to the frontbench.

Former WA Treasurer Christian Porter is the new Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Kelly O'Dwyer the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and Karen Andrews the new Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane, who adds Science to his title.

Many of those sworn in today have already begun meetings with their new departments as they begin work in new portfolios.

Mr Abbott said the new team will focus on employment and families.

"These ministerial changes will put jobs and families at the heart of the Government's agenda for 2015," Mr Abbott said.

But Opposition frontbencher Brendan O'Connor said there was little evidence of the Government tackling unemployment issues.

"Changes to jobs in Government but with no plans for jobs for 800,000 Australians," Mr O'Connor said.