The prime minister has freed up Greg Hunt to focus on health and the national response to COVID-19 by "temporarily" removing one of his portfolio responsibilities.
Mr Hunt was given the additional responsibility for the public service following last year's election.
In a statement, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was "temporarily" transferring the portfolio to Ben Morton, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet. "This will allow Minister Hunt to concentrate wholly on the coronavirus response in his Health portfolio."
COVID-19 is imposing significant demands on Mr Hunt. In recent weeks, he has taken personal responsibility for managing aspects of the response, including the effective nationalisation of Australia's national network of private hospitals and securing access to medical supplies.