Rowland takes on Shadow Communications as Clare trades up

Michelle Rowland has taken on the role as Labor's Shadow Communications Minister, following a post-election reshuffle of portfolios. It marks a return to communications for Rowland, who previously served as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Communications, before becoming Labor's small business spokesperson.

"As a lawyer specialising in communications for over a decade before entering Parliament, I look forward to tackling the challenges and embracing the opportunities for communications policy in Australia," Rowland said in a statement.

"I will continue to prosecute Labor's commitment to a world-class NBN and ensure Labor's approach to many important policy debates -- including the communications regulatory framework, universal service, media ownership reform, our public broadcasters and community radio -- is grounded in evidence and what is best for all Australians, from our urban centres to regional and rural communities."

Departing from the communications portfolio is Jason Clare, who will become the new Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment, as well as taking on the job of Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia.

Stephen Jones will continue in his role as Shadow Minister for Regional Communications.

Former Communications Minister, and the man charged with questioning the NBN in Senate Estimates, Senator Stephen Conroy, has been moved out of Defence, and into the role of Shadow Special Minister of State, as well becoming Labor's sports shadow.

"Stephen was in my opinion doing a great job in Defence," Labor leader Bill Shorten said on the weekend when announcing his new shadow ministry. "I've asked him if he could do some work about keeping the government under as closer scrutiny as Special Minister of State. As we all know he can be quite forensic and tough in terms of estimates performances, keeping the government to account."