Albanese rewarded with key regional job Climate change has been rolled into a new super department of the federal government, and Rudd backer Anthony Albanese has been rewarded with the key regional development portfolio in a ministry reshuffle. Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the new-look cabinet on Monday in a move to renew her authority after supporters of Kevin Rudd failed last week to get the former leader to challenge her for the top job. Ms Gillard called for unity, saying she was appalled by the events of last Thursday, which senior ministers have described as a fiasco for Labor. "Our eyes were on ourselves rather than doing what we should have, being focused on the nation," she told reporters in Canberra. But Ms Gillard said a new clarity had come out of those events, after she was returned unopposed. "We can be a government of purpose ... a government of unity," she said. Mr Albanese, already government leader in the house and minister for infrastructure and transport, will add the regional development portfolio lost by Simon Crean to his responsibilities. In a clear sign Ms Gillard was not troubled by Mr Albanese's support of Mr Rudd, the prime minister said she worked well with the NSW MP. "He has been very central to the life of this government, and I believe he will serve very well and with a very strong sense of loyalty into the future," she said. Ms Gillard said she had spoken to independent MPs about his taking the new role. "One of the agreements we have with the independents is that there be a minister in this role," she added. Mr Crean was sacked for his pivotal role in the failed challenge to Ms Gillard's leadership. His arts portfolio was given to Tony Burke, who currently oversees environment, water and sustainability. The ministries of Chris Bowen, Martin Ferguson and Kim Carr, all of whom resigned on Friday, were also rejigged. A big winner was Gary Gray who takes over from Mr Ferguson as minister for resources, energy and tourism, as well as taking the small business portfolio previously held by Mr Bowen. The biggest departmental change affects the Department of Climate Change, which will be merged with the industry department. This creates a super department to be known as the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education. Greg Combet retains the title of minister for climate change while overseeing industry and innovation. Tertiary education, skills, science and research go to current Trade Minister Craig Emerson, who will be supported by new junior ministers, Don Farrell and Sharon Bird, on science and higher education respectively. Senator Jan McLucas become human services minister, replacing Senator Carr, following her elevation from parliamentary secretary. Catherine King joins the outer ministry as minister for regional services, local communities and territories, and minister for road safety. Home affairs and Justice minister Jason Clare becomes a full cabinet member after serving in the non-voting role of cabinet secretary. The reshuffle also saw Andrew Leigh, Matt Thistlethwaite, Michael Danby, Bernie Ripoll, Amanda Rishworth, and Shayne Neumann appointed parliamentary secretaries.