Howard to shake up Cabinet

CANBERRA - The resignations of two ministers and the sacking of a third create for Prime Minister John Howard the vacancies he needs to reshuffle his Cabinet as he returns from holiday this week.

Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation Minister Ian Macdonald said yesterday that he has been told by Howard he will not be included in the ministry after the reshuffle expected to be announced this week.

Defence Minister Robert Hill announced his resignation from Cabinet and the ministry on Friday and yesterday Family and Community Services Minister Kay Patterson followed suit.

Neither will contest the next election.

The sudden departures mean two current ministers will be elevated to Cabinet, paving the way for the promotion of three backbenchers to the ministry.

Howard is expected to announce his new-look ministry when he addresses the National Press Club on Wednesday.

- AAP