Australian Prime Minister to revamp cabinet today

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is all set to reshuffle cabinet today while support for Labor government and her popularity as Premier fell by four per cent in a latest poll.

According to 'the Australian', Gillard had yesterday discussed key portfolio positions in a series of telephone calls with senior ministers.

The reshuffle was prompted after Small Business Minister Nick Sherry informed about his resignation from his role for personal reasons which the report said has led to Gillard canvassing a wider revamp of the frontbench.

Quoting senior sources last night, the report said there were a "limited number of changes" but that some were significant.

It said that Gillard has decided on a small expansion of cabinet to allow an injection of "new young blood".

It is being speculated that Human Services Minister Tanya Plibersek is set for promotion but Innovation Minister Kim Carr is tipped to be dumped.

The ministerial revamp will align key portfolios to Gillard's policy priorities for the coming year as she moves to put her stamp on the ministry.

A new economic role is likely to be created to manage challenges being forced on the economy by the mining boom as well as skills development and industry policy.

There is also likely to be an expanded social policy portfolio as the government eyes reforms such as proposals for a national disability insurance scheme.

While Senate leader Chris Evans will remain in cabinet and retain his leadership role, Immigration Minister Chris Bowen will stay on in his role, continuing to push for the government's Malaysia asylum-seeker plan.

Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan will retain Treasury.

Kevin Rudd, who has been the subject of leadership speculation and reports of tensions with Gillard, will retain the Foreign Affairs portfolio.

Meanwhile, according to latest Age-Nielsen poll, Gillard and her government took a hit as she disclosed about reshuffle.