Despite winning three House of Representatives seats last year and state government so convincingly in March, the little state has had to bow to bigger interests.

Yes, we do well; with Eric Abetz in a top cabinet position and leader for the government in the Senate. Senator Stephen Parry is Senate president and Senator David Bushby is party Whip. They got there on merit, not through patronage.

Devonport-based Senator Richard Colbeck has been a parliamentary secretary since 2004. He is highly experienced and well qualified and should be given a go.

Years ago Tasmania had a cabinet minister, Jocelyn Newman, and a junior minister, Warwick Smith. Both were excellent ministers. It can happen again if based on merit, and not according to the number of Coalition seats in each state and territory.

As for the rest, Greens leader Christine Milne says lock up your welfare cheques, given Scott Morrison's move from Immigration to Social Services.

The truth is he did his job and stopped the boats. That's all his boss asked of him and most Australians supported his actions. Senator Milne forgot to mention that.

Kevin Andrews is simply dead wood, held over from the Howard regime and ought to be rested in favour of new blood. He so completely botched the WorkChoices experiment in 2006 it cost John Howard government. As Social Services Minister he should share the blame for another unfair attack on battlers in the May budget.

Sussan Ley's promotion to health is the first step towards proper recognition of female representation in the ministry. Her belated and well-deserved elevation to cabinet is another reason for old guard icons like Kevin Andrews to be retired.