Ms. Bishop exercised her right as deputy Liberal leader to claim the treasury prize, and becomes the first woman to hold the treasury portfolio on either side of politics. Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader has dumped Bronwyn Bishop, Jo Gash and Pat Farmer from the shadow ministry.

After the bids are lodged in November the Rudd Government’s seven member expert panel will consider the tender documents and make a recommendation to the Government around February. Following this Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, with the assistance of the Communications Department, will finalise a recommendation for Cabinet which will then make the final decision.