A recent governmental reshuffle has resulted in Amanda Vanstone being relieved of her position as Minister for Immigration in Australia.

After 11 years as a government minister, it was decided that Vanstone should step down, to be succeeded by Workplace Relations Minister, Kevin Andrews.

Although Prime Minister John Howard had nothing but praise for Vanstone, she had overseen some controversial immigration issues during her time as Immigration Minister, such as the 457 visa, which was designed to combat labour shortages by bringing skilled workers to Australia. Others felt that it would drive down wages and change the make up of Australia’s nationality, but Vanstone defended the visa type as nothing but a success.

In the wake of Amanda Vanstone’s departure, the department will be renamed ‘Immigration and Citizenship’.