It was announced with great pride: NSW government’s Cabinet reshuffle would deliver the Nationals stronger ministerial responsibilities.
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Minister for Western NSW Kevin Humphries picked up a fresh portfolio sliced from the Primary Industries pie – Natural Resources, Land and Water.
Since the announcement, Mr Humphries has declined to comment.
Mr Humphries would deliver “strong buy-in” for the Nationals on environmental issues, including native vegetation laws and productive agricultural lands, Deputy Premier and National Party leader Andrew Stoner told The Land on April 24.
The new department of Natural Resources, Land and Water covered land management for private and Crown lands, including soil salinity and erosion and, hopefully, management of regional water resources and, with agreement from Environment Minister Rob Stokes, oversight of native vegetation laws, Mr Stoner said.
The Nationals’ leader also told ABC radio Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson had lost none of her powers.
Mr Humphries’ portfolio adds another layer of bureaucracy as he is required to collaborate with Ms Hodgkinson.
Despite repeated requests from The Land, he has not explained what benefits the new arrangement will bring the bush, what prompted the change and how it fits within the Coalition’s pledge to cut red and green tape.
