
Foley says cabinet choice is "payback" for swing
OPPOSITION Leader Luke Foley says the NSW Premier's choice to scrap Ministers for the North Coast, Illawarra, Hunter, Western NSW and Central Coast is "payback" for election swings against the Coalition.
Premier Mike Baird is swearing in his new-look cabinet at Government House this morning following a post-election reshuffle.
READ MORE: New NSW cabinet announced: who made the cut and who got axed
Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis has been named Parliamentary Secretary for the North Coast, with the position downgraded from a ministerial role.
READ MORE: No minister for North Coast, just a parliamentary secretary
"Mike Baird's decision to scrap Ministers for the Hunter, Illawarra, Central Coast, North Coast and Western NSW from his Cabinet today is payback only days after the election," Mr Foley said.
"The decision means that the key regions outside of Sydney will no longer have a voice around the cabinet table.
"Mike Baird has a responsibility to be inclusive and govern for the whole state - including those people who didn't vote for him.
"This decision is nothing other than vindictive and spiteful."
Mr Foley said regional NSW voters were being punished for large swings recorded against the government at the weekend.
READ MORE: Labor or Greens tipped for Lismore, George unlikely
"The fact that Western Sydney has been retained in the Ministry makes the omission of other regions all the more glaring," he said.
"The fact that the Nationals have raised barely a murmur demonstrates their failure to provide a strong voice for regional NSW and stand up to the Liberals.
"The people of the Hunter, Illawarra, Central Coast, North Coast and Western NSW should feel very insulted by today's announcement.
"It is vital that these regions have a voice around the cabinet table - otherwise they will continue to be neglected by this government."
NEW CABINET
Mike Baird - Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney
Troy Grant - Deputy Premier, Justice and Police, Arts, Racing
Gladys Berejiklian - Treasurer, Industrial Relations
Adrian Piccoli - Education
Duncan Gay - Roads, Maritime and Freight, Vice-President of the Executive Council
Anthony Roberts - Industry, Resources and Energy
Jillian Skinner - Health
Andrew Constance - Transport and Infrastructure
Brad Hazzard - Family and Community Services, Social Housing
Rob Stokes - Planning
Dominic - Francis Perrottet - Finance, Services and Property
Gabrielle Upton - Attorney-General
Pru Goward - Mental Health, Medical Research, Women, Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
John Ajaka - Ageing, Disability Services, Multiculturalism
Stuart Ayres - Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Sport
Victor Dominello - Innovation and Better Regulation
John Barilaro - Regional Development, Skills, Small Business
Paul Toole - Local Government
Niall Blair - Primary Industries, Lands and Water
Mark Speakman - Environment, Heritage, Assistant Minister for Planning
David Elliott - Corrections, Emergency Services, Veterans Affairs
Leslie Williams - Early Childhood Education, Aboriginal Affairs, Assistant Minister for Education
