Two more ministers resign from Perrottet government

The exodus from the Perrottet government has continued with the announcement of two more ministers resigning.

The exodus of key ministers from the Perrottet government has continued with the resignation of two cabinet members and at least one citing the loss of former premier Gladys Berejiklian as too “difficult to move past”.

Ms Berejiklian’s departure from office amid a corruption probe sparked a number of senior ministers abandoning state politics with NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro stepping down and Andrew Constance turning his attention to a federal tilt.

On Saturday, ministers Don Harwin and Shelley Hancock joined the exodus with both confirming they will not recontest the next state poll.

Ms Hancock, who serves as Local Government Minister, said her “challenging family circumstances” had meant she was unable to commit to continuing her responsibilities in the cabinet.

But she also cited the “significant challenge” she personally experienced following the departure of Ms Berejiklian.

Ms Hancock said the loss of the former Premier was difficult. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Mr Harwin will not recontest his seat. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

“Gladys’ resignation is a loss for NSW and a personal loss for me, and something that I have found difficult to move past,” she said in a statement.

“It is often difficult being the only woman in the room, or one of a handful, therefore it is essential that women make up a larger part of the cabinet to provide our views and perspectives.

“We do after all make up more than 50 per cent of the population.”

Mr Harwin, who holds a wide range of ministerial duties, including Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, was less revealing in his announcement.

Instead, the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council said “this is the right time to end my ministerial service”.

“It has been a great honour to serve in the diverse portfolios of Energy and Utilities, Resources, Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, Heritage and as Special Minister for State since January 2017,” he said.

“I also thank Premier Berejiklian for appointing me Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.”

Premier Perrottet has lost a number of ministers since taking over as leader. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Mr Perrottet thanked the pair for their service, describing the two as “strong advocates” for their constituents.

“Mr Harwin has served across a diverse range of portfolios and as the Arts Minister played an important role in helping enrich the cultural offerings of the state as well as fighting for much needed support to help the arts community throughout the pandemic,” the Premier said in a statement.

“Mrs Hancock has been a strong leader in the NSW parliament, serving as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly prior to being appointed the Minister for Local Government, where she provided valuable service ensuring the continuation of the critical role of local councils during the pandemic and that local government elections proceeded this year.

“I thank the Ministers for their contribution to public life and their excellent service, especially over the past two years.”

Originally published as Two more ministers resign from Perrottet government