Extra roles for senior Liberals

Governor-General Peter Cosgrove has sworn in two frontbenchers taking on new roles to tackle terrorism.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan was formally given the role of minister assisting the prime minister on counter-terrorism and Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells is parliamentary secretary to the attorney-general with responsibility for community engagement.

Senator Fierravanti-Wells will work with veteran Liberal MP Philip Ruddock, who also attended the Government House ceremony, to consult the public on the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship.