Kevin Andrews has been named as the new Minister for Defence as part of a cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Andrews, until now Minister for Social Services, will take on the portfolio from Senator David Johnston, who will leave cabinet.

“The Hon Kevin Andrews MP will become the Minister for Defence. He is one of the most experienced ministers in the government and his appointment will ensure we continue to build a safe and secure Australia in a challenging world,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.

In his press conference the Prime Minister described Andrews, who was Minister for Ageing and then Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations in the former Howard government, as “very experienced, a safe pair of hands”.

Kevin Andrews represents the Melbourne seat of Menzies in the House of Representatives, and was first elected to parliament in 1991. Prior to that he served on the Victorian bar.