AUSTRALIA

Hawke Shuffles Cabinet Ministers: Prime Minister Bob Hawke announced that he has appointed Finance Minister Ralph Willis treasurer, replacing John Kerin. Kim Beazley, currently transport and communications minister, was named finance minister. Kerin becomes transport and communications minister. Hawke said in a statement Friday that “after discussions with Mr. Kerin this morning, he and I have agreed on the need for a reallocation of ministerial portfolios.” Kerin had been treasurer since June when Paul Keating stepped down from that post when Keating challenged Hawke for prime minister. Willis has been a senior cabinet minister in the Hawke Labor Party government since 1983 and has held several key positions.