One of Labor’s biggest rising stars has rejected suggestions the Albanese government’s frontbench is too old, saying he has no concerns about succession planning.
Labor MP Andrew Charlton, slated as the most qualified person to be treasurer, told Sky News Sunday Agenda there was no frustration among younger MPs waiting for promotion.
Asked about the long queue for frontbench positions, Mr Charlton said: “I’m thrilled with the work that I’m doing and grateful to be in the role that I am.”
“I think we have a great Labor team. I’ve never seen the Labor Party more united or more capable than it is today, and that is a good thing for our government.”
The average age for Labor MPs and Senators was 51 years old after the 2025 federal election.
Among the top positions, including PM, Deputy PM, Attorney-General, Treasurer, Home Affairs Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, the average age sat at 56.
Asked whether it was time for some of Labor’s older ministers to retire and make way for younger figures like himself, Mr Charlton defended the frontbench.
“I think we have a terrific cabinet that is doing a great job and you can see that in the progress they’re delivering for every Australian,” he said.
His comments come as attention has turned to the future leadership of the Labor Party, with speculation continuing about who could replace Mr Albanese.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently claimed “no one” in his caucus has been thinking about replacing him.
Speaking to Sky News Sunday Agenda in June, Mr Albanese refused to nominate a preferred heir apparent when asked who he thought might replace him in the future.
“I am very happy to do the job that I have and one of the good things about our government is there isn’t any speculation. We’re a united team,” Mr Albanese said.
It comes after rumours swirled that Mr Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers had a “frosty” relationship in the wake of Labor’s federal budget.
Asked whether people were naturally wondering who would come next, Mr Albanese said: “No, no one.”
Pressed further on whether he had any ideas about a successor, he said: “No one in our caucus is worried about that.
Almost half of Labor voters recently said they don’t know who should replace Prime Minister Anthony Albanese if he were to unexpectedly step down from the top job.
According to the Sky News Pulse / YouGov poll, 47 per cent of people considering voting for Labor did not know who should replace Mr Albanese.
Among those who nominated a successor, Treasurer Jim Chalmers was the clear frontrunner, attracting 26 per cent support.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was second on 13 per cent, followed by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on five per cent.
Health Minister Mark Butler received just four per cent support.