NSW Premier Mike Baird has announced his second ministry line-up in two weeks.
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The reshuffle is replace the portfolios held by embattled Mike Gallacher, who is facing further investigation in the ongoing Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry Operation Spicer.
The premier announced the appointment of Stuart Ayres as Minister for Police and Emergency Services.
“Stuart Ayres has shown a huge amount of passion and dedication as Fair Trading Minister, Minister Assisting the Premier on Western Sydney, and Member for Penrith,” said Mr Baird.
“He thoroughly deserves the challenge of the key Police and Emergency Services portfolio, and I know that he will continue to work hard to improve frontline delivery across this state, while delivering in his role as Minister for Sport and Recreation.”
In the wake of Mr Gallacher’s departure from the Coalition, Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Duncan Gay will take on the role of Government Leader of the Upper House.
Mr Gay retains the Roads and Freight portfolios.
“Duncan’s promotion to leader of the Upper House reflects the extraordinary high regard in which he is held by his Parliamentary colleagues,” Mr Baird said.
National Party Member for Monaro John Barilaro has been elevated to become Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Regional Development.
MLC Matthew Mason-Cox has been promoted to the NSW Cabinet team as Fair Trading Minister.
Mr Baird said Mr Mason-Cox had been a “hardworking Treasury Parliamentary Secretary over the past three years, and has the skills to excel in his new role to cut the red tape burden on small business and help protect consumers”.
Mr Baird said Liberal Bega MP Andrew Constance would take on Industrial Relations and Liberal Pittwater MP Rob Stokes will take on Minister for the Central Coast.
The Premier also announced the appointment of four other new Parliamentary Secretaries:
- Baulkham Hills MP David Elliott, who becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier for Youth, Homelessness and the Centenary of ANZAC
- Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams, who becomes Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy.
- Hornsby MP Matt Kean, who becomes Parliamentary Secretary for Communities.
- The Hon. Catherine Cusack, MLC, who becomes Parliamentary Secretary for Tertiary Education and Skills.
Other changes in the Parliamentary Secretaries team include the appointment of Cronulla MP Mark Speakman to the role of Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury.
