New NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant has vowed to continue fighting for the Dubbo electorate despite a significant increase to his workload now that he has been elected as leader of the NSW National party.
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Mr Grant could also retain his current portfolios of Hospitality, Gaming and Racing, and the Arts or take on a new role but said he will continue to give his all for those who gave him his start in politics. "I'm more than confident that I have demonstrated I can represent the people of Dubbo while handling other duties," Mr Grant told the Daily Liberal yesterday. "On my first day in Parliament I was promoted to Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resources and I think my record speaks for itself."
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The former policeman said he was acting in his role as chairman of the Joint Selection Committee for the Sentencing of Child Sexual Assault Offenders on Wednesday when he was summoned to an urgent National Party meeting.
He gave his speech and went to the party room to find out that Nationals leader Andrew Stoner was stepping down because his wife Cathy is battling serious health issues.
"I was shocked and concerned to find out why Andrew had made his decision. My heart goes out to him and I admire him for what he is doing and thank him for his contribution to the party," Mr Grant said.
He said he didn't have any thoughts
"A group of my colleagues came to me and said it was their intention to nominate me. I was certainly shocked but I asked them to canvas to see if I had the numbers
"This morning I was elected unanimously and unopposed.
"To have the full support of my colleagues is paramount and unity is what this party is about, nobody is in it for themselves, they are out to do the best they can for their electorate and the state."
Mr Grant said he will talk with Premier Mike Baird and his leadership group to decide whether he will retain his current portfolios or whether there will be another cabinet reshuffle in the lead up to the March 2015 election.
The Dubbo MP said he will still be a regular sight in his electorate. He will be back in Dubbo this weekend and he will be serving at McDonalds in Cobra Street for McHappy Day.
"There are certainly extra demands and pressures on me but nothing has changed, I will continue to work hard for the good of the electorate and the state," he said.
"The people of the Dubbo electorate should know they can still come to me with their concerns and I will continue to work for them."