Troy Grant's promotion to leader of the NSW National Party and Deputy Premier has been warmly welcomed by Coalition members from across the state and Australia.
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The Dubbo MP was elected unopposed and after his successful elevation yesterday, he met with Premier Mike Baird to formulate a plan for the future.
The Premier congratulated Mr Grant on his appointment and said he was looking forward to working with his new deputy.
"Troy Grant is a passionate and hardworking MP who will be an outstanding Deputy Premier and Leader of the NSW Nationals," Mr Baird said.
"Troy is a passionate advocate for rural and regional NSW and he will ensure the concerns of those in the bush are addressed.
"Before entering Parliament Troy was a highly decorated and respected police officer and he has always fought hard to protect vulnerable members of our community.
"As Nationals Leader and Deputy Premier, Troy is now in a position to make an even bigger contribution to NSW."
Leader of the government and Leader of the National Party in the Upper House, Duncan Gay, said Mr Grant is shaping up to be a strong leader for his party.
"Troy encapsulates the decency of the old country party - he is a dedicated team player with a strong orientation to the people of the bush and all that rural and regional NSW stands for," Mr Gay said.
"One of his most honourable achievements was the establishment of IPROWD - the Indigenous Police Recruitment Out West Delivery Project, which assists Aboriginal people gain entry to the NSW Police Academy."
Federal deputy National Party leader Barnaby Joyce said it was an honour, not just for Mr Grant, but also for the electorate of Dubbo to have a Deputy Premier as their local member. "In particular it is a reflection of Troy's capability that in his first term he has proven he has the qualities to be the Deputy Premier of New South Wales," Mr Joyce said.
"I look forward to working with Troy as both a Leader of the Parliament of New South Wales and as a colleague at the state level.
"I am confident that Troy will lead the NSW Nationals and fulfil his role as Deputy Premier with the dignity and integrity that the community expects, and I know he will uphold and fight for the values that the Nationals hold so dear."