The Nationals gained another position on the front bench, with Darren Chester appointed infrastructure and transport minister, taking over the reins from former Nationals leader Warren Truss, who announced last week his intention to retire at the next election.

Mr Joyce said he decided to retain the agriculture portfolio after “gauging the aspirations” of his electorate and the wider community.

“I believe the work that I have started with my department to turn around soft commodity prices, in implementing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the significant investments we are making in water infrastructure should continue.”

Deputy Fiona Nash added regional development and regional communications to her rural health portfolio.

Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Senator Nigel Scullion, will remain indigenous affairs minister.

Mr Joyce congratulated Ms Nash on her promotion and new responsibilities.

“Fiona will also be the first female Nationals minister in federal cabinet - an historic milestone for which I am extremely proud,” he said.

Following the reshuffle by prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, the number of women in cabinet has increased to six.

The election of Ms Nash to the deputy leadership of The Nationals last week also means that for the first time in Australian politics, women now hold the deputy leadership of all three major parties.