Australia's new prime minister, Kevin Rudd, has unveiled his cabinet, five days after ousting Julia Gillard as Labor Party leader, BBC News reported.

The cabinet contains a record number of women and many Rudd backers, who replace Gillard loyalists who stepped down after the leadership change.

The foreign affairs, defence and home affairs ministers remained unchanged. The new cabinet was sworn in on Monday, July 1 and was to hold its first meeting shortly afterwards.

Several of Gillard's ministers resigned after last week's leadership vote, including Treasurer Wayne Swan and Trade Minister Craig Emerson. They have been replaced by Chris Bowen and Richard Marles respectively.

Bill Shorten, the key power-broker who switched his backing to Rudd shortly before last week's vote, was given the education portfolio.

Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will also take on the communications portfolio, making him responsible for the high-profile National Broadband Network roll-out.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith says he will resign after the next election but will remain in his post until then.