National has shown its hand with its Cabinet line up, now it's Labour's turn to say who will be speaking on what.
Labour leader Phil Goff is finalising his allocation of portfolios and says he is aiming for a blend of experience and new blood.
But Goff indicates the 13 new MPs in his caucus won't get significant roles until they have more Parliamentary experience.
He hopes to make announcements about his line up later this week.
Meanwhile, Goff has predicted tough challenges ahead for the government's new minister of social development, Paula Bennett.
The 39-year-old Waitakere MP and former mum on the DPB will be in control of welfare policy, with a $20 billion budget.
Goff says the social development and employment portfolio will be a challenge for a relatively new member of parliament.
But Bennett says she is committed to the job and acknowledges the tough times people are facing because of the recession, particularly those on benefits.
Goff also expressed doubts about National's nomination of Lockwood Smith as Speaker describing him as a partisan MP who had been controversial in the past.
It had not yet been decided whether Labour would take a symbolic stand and oppose Smith.
