TAMWORTH MP Kevin Anderson is set for a $30,000 pay rise after replacing the federally-focused Andrew Gee as parliamentary secretary for the Deputy Premier and regional roads and rail.
Mr Anderson’s appointment was made in parliament today following Mr Gee’s resignation from the role, who will instead focus on his campaign for the federal seat of Calare.
Mr Anderson – a former journalist who was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly in 2011 – said he was excited to take on the job.
“This greater responsibility is an exciting new challenge for me to work with regional communities across the state, (but) my electorate of Tamworth will remain my first priority and they will have a greater voice,” he said.
Appointment to the parliamentary secretary position is accompanied by a $20,000 salary jump – and an extra $10,000 expense allowance - and is often seen as an indication of grooming for cabinet appointments.
The Baird government has 16 parliamentary secretaries on top of its 22-member cabinet.
Six of those parliamentary secretaries are Nationals MPs – including Rick Colless (Natural Resources and Regional Planning), Chris Gulaptis (North Coast), Katrina Hodgkinson (Southern NSW), Sarah Mitchell (Regional Health and Western NSW), and now Mr Anderson.
Mr Anderson retained Tamworth in March 2015 with a 3.2 per cent swing.
NSW Nationals leader Troy Grant said Mr Anderson would also work closely with Minister for Transport Andrew Constance.
“Kevin is an outstanding local member who over the past five years has advocated and delivered for the people of Tamworth, and I’m confident he will excel in his new role.” Mr Grant said.
“Regional rail has been added to the parliament secretary role as the rollout of a new regional rail fleet is a key focus of the government this term.”
Mr Anderson is also heading NSW parliament’s regional tax plan inquiry, as chairman of the Investment, Industry and Regional Development Committee.
The inquiry to regional NSW is top of the agenda for a new inquiry into zonal taxation launched in the NSW Lower House.
It will investigate concessions in relation to payroll tax, land tax, stamp duty and utility charges and the impact of the impact of fuel levies on regional growth.
The committee wants the public to provide feedback and is currently seeking submissions, including from local government, businesses and the community.
“We want to hear from local people about what has worked and what hasn’t,” Mr Anderson said.
“We need to ensure that current taxes and charges, amongst other things, do not act as a barrier to growth in rural and regional areas,” he said.
Email investmentindustry@parliament.nsw.gov.au or visit http://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/
