NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley has today appointed two MPs from the Hunter to senior positions in Labor’s Shadow Cabinet as part of a refreshed line-up to take the fight to the Baird Government.
- Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison has been appointed as Shadow Minister for the Hunter, in addition to responsibilities as Shadow Minister for Women, Prevention of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault and Early Childhood Education. This is in stark contrast to the Baird Government which has axed the Hunter Ministry from Cabinet; and
- Cessnock MP Clayton Barr has been appointed as Shadow Minister for Finance, Services & Property.
“On election night, I thanked the people of the Hunter for returning to Labor – and today I am delighted to confirm that this great region will have a strong voice in my Shadow Cabinet,” Mr Foley said.
“There is not a single Hunter MP in Mike Baird’s Cabinet. The difference between Liberal and Labor is that I believe the Hunter deserves a strong voice around the decision table.
“As the respected Mayor of Lake Macquarie – and during her time in Parliament, Jodie Harrison has proven to be an extremely effective representative of her community.
“There is nobody better than Jodie Harrison to hold the Baird Government to account for its arrogant abandonment of the people of the Hunter.
“I am also delighted to confirm that Clayton Barr will take up the vital portfolio of Shadow Minister for Finance.
“As a Hunter MP – and Country Labor representative – Clayton’s appointment shows that Labor is determined to invest in services right across NSW. Clayton will have a special responsibility to keep this city-centric government on its toes and ensure that communities in the long-neglected regions of our State receive their fair share.”
Shadow Minister for the Hunter Jodie Harrison said she was excited by the opportunity to represent the Hunter around the Shadow Cabinet.
“A re-elected Premier has a responsibility to be inclusive – but Mike Baird engaged in petty payback by removing the Hunter Ministry from his Cabinet,” Ms Harrison said.
“I will be working closely with all my Hunter colleagues to ensure this Government meets its responsibilities and doesn’t allow our region to fall off its radar.”
Shadow Minister for Finance Clayton Barr added: “The Hunter – along with so many of our regional areas – underwrites so much of the prosperity of NSW. People in regional communities deserve a Government that acknowledges their contribution and returns the investment back.”