Member for Dubbo Troy Grant has begun his new role as Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing and Minister for Arts sworn in by NSW Governor Marie Bashir in a ceremony in Sydney yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In front of his wife Toni and children Hamish and Taylor, Mr Grant officially become a cabinet minister.
There was little time for him to enjoy the occasion before official duties kicked in, with the new-look cabinet sitting for the first time yesterday afternoon.
Mr Grant said he he will spend the first couple of weeks finding his feet in the new role but looks forward to helping to rejuvinate NSW.
The National Party member said on Tuesday that finding out he had been given a portfolio was like finding out he had been named in a representative sporting team.
"It feels like I've been given a state of origin jersey or a Baggy Blue to play for NSW. My club team is Dubbo but now I've been given this great honour to represent the state as well," he said.
Mr Grant is joined by fellow first-time cabinet ministers, Bathurst MP Paul Toole, Pittwater MP Rob Stokes, Castle Hill MP Dominic Perrottet and Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell.
With less than 12 months until the next election, there is a perception Mr Baird used the reshuffle to move on ministers who were likely to come under attack from the opposition, including former Attorney-General Greg Smith. Robyn Parker, George Souris and Don Page were other victims in the reshuffle.
Mr Page will now retire at the next election and deputy premier Andrew Stoner hinted Mr Souris may do the same.
Andrew Constance takes over the treasury role from Mr Baird less than two months out from the state budget but most other major roles, Health, Police, Transport, Roads and Education, remain unchanged.
