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History made as Wyatt sworn in

Mr Wyatt is responsible for Aged Care and Indigenous Health.

Mr Wyatt is responsible for Aged Care and Indigenous Health. Photo: AAP

Assistant Health Minister Ken Wyatt was sworn in on Wednesday, more than a week after his frontbench colleagues were appointed to their positions.

The indigenous Liberal MP was officially sworn in to his post in the new-look Malcolm Turnbull government by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove at a ceremony at Government House in Canberra.

Wyatt delivers his maiden speech in 2010. Photo: AAP

Wyatt delivers his maiden speech in 2010. Photo: AAP

Mr Wyatt, Australia’s first indigenous frontbench politician, missed last week’s swearing in ceremony because he was overseas.

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The Prime Minister also attended the ceremony.

Mr Wyatt, whose mother was part of the stolen generations, was the first indigenous person to become a member of the House of Representatives after he won the seat of Hasluck in 2010’s federal election.

When sworn in to parliament that year, indigenous elders gifted Mr Wyatt a cloak made from kangaroo skin which he wore as he took the oath of office.

Prior to entering politics, Mr Wyatt was a primary school teacher for 16 years and a Director of Aboriginal Education and Director of Aboriginal Health in Western Australia and New South Wales.

Mr Wyatt is of Noongar, Yamatji and Wongi heritage.

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