SYDNEY, June 9, 2009 (AFP) - Australia's new-look cabinet took shape on Tuesday after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's first reshuffle, prompted by his defence minister's embarrassing resignation last week.

About 15 new cabinet ministers and parliamentary secretaries were sworn in headed by heavyweight Senator John Faulkner, who has been tasked with steadying the defence ministry.

Parliamentary secretary Greg Combet will work under Faulkner on defence personnel, material and science, while Senator Mark Arbib takes over as employment participation minister.

"This reshuffle underlines the government's continued commitment to its core priorities (including) nation-building for recovery ... and getting on with the task of strengthening Australia's security," Rudd said this week.

Brendan O'Connor becomes home affairs minister in place of Bob Debus, who will retire at the next election, and Senator Joe Ludwig takes over Faulkner's roles as cabinet secretary and special minister of state.

Sport and Youth Minister Kate Ellis added the early childhood education and childcare and youth portfolios to her brief. Only two women received promotions in the reshuffle, prompting media accusations of gender bias.

Ex-defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon became the 18-month-old government's first casualty last week when he stepped down over a potential conflict-of-interest scandal, the latest in a series of controversies.