STATEMENT ON COALITION SHADOW MINISTRY

ANGIE BELL MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS

SHADOW MINISTER FOR SPORT

SHADOW MINISTER FOR YOUTH

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MONCRIEFF

MEDIA STATEMENT

17 February 2026

STATEMENT ON COALITION SHADOW MINISTRY

It has been an honour to serve in Sussan Ley’s Shadow Cabinet as the Shadow Minister for Environment and Shadow Minister for Youth.

I now look forward to my continued service in Angus Taylor’s Shadow Ministry as Shadow Minister for the Arts, Shadow Minister for Sport and Shadow Minister for Youth.

Before life in politics, I enjoyed an illustrious thirty-year career as a professional saxophonist that included performances across the globe. It’s an absolute privilege to serve in the Arts portfolio for which I am very passionate.

Sport and Australian culture go hand-in-hand. It’s an important pillar for our way of life and our grassroots sporting clubs are, no doubt, at the heart of our success on the world stage.

I also look forward to working closely with XX as Shadow Minister for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure Australia seizes on the legacy opportunities provided by this important event for our country.

I am also thrilled to continue in my role as the Shadow Minister for Youth. Empowering and supporting young people is a long-held personal passion. I look forward to continuing to engage with young people, delivering the fourth Gold Coast Youth Impact Summit and guiding Coalition policies that impact youth.

The achievements made during my time as Shadow Environment Minister – albeit short – were very important in our fight against this terrible Labor government.

The Coalition has worked constructively to improve legislation whilst holding the Government to account. We secured important amendments to the EPBC laws to support business efficiency while maintaining strong environmental protections and exposed the Government’s poor consultation process.

We also successfully pushed for financial support for communities impacted by the South Australian algal bloom, for the continuation of the koala vaccination program at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and for the urgent ratification of the United Nations High Seas Treaty – where Australia is falling behind more than 80 other nations.

I sincerely thank the many stakeholders who have engaged in good faith to help shape practical environmental policy.

The Coalition remains committed to ensuring environmental protection and economic growth go hand in hand. Strong custodianship of our natural environment is essential to Australia’s long-term prosperity.

It has been a privilege to serve as the Shadow Minister for the Environment and I look forward to working with the Leader of the Opposition, my colleagues and the new Shadow Ministry to hold Labor to account.

ENDS