Crash victim Veronique Sakr’s mum Bridget Sakr new Liberal candidate for Strathfield

Bridget Sakr has been announced as the Liberal candidate for Strathfield saying the tragic loss of her daughter near Oatlands golf club informed her decision.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has formally introduced Bridget Sakr as the Liberal candidate for Strathfield.

Flanked by his four new female ministers, Mr Perrottet said Ms Sakr’s tragic loss of her daughter Veronique in a car crash near Oatlands Golf Club, informed her desire to help her community.

Ms Sakr said she was passionate about creating safer roads and expanding mental health support for trauma survivors.

Bridget Sakr with a memorial to her daughter Veronique Sakr, who was tragically killed in the Oatlands crash along with three of her cousins.

“I’d like to take a moment to pay tribute to the families of the six children that were killed in Davenport last Thursday and that was my daughters birthday,” she said.

“I never aspired to be in politics but when tragedy hits you … your perspective on life changes. The community has done so much for me and my family.

“ I want to have the opportunity to give on causes I’m passionate about such as safer and less congested road. I want to create better out

reach for mental health program.

Ma Sark said she was also passionate about helping schools and local businesses.

“I am going to work hard and give it my best shot,” she said.

During Monday’s reshuffle announcement Mr Perrottet said he would need multiple ministers to manage infrastructure as it was so substantial.

New Liberal candidate for Strathfield; Bridget Sakr. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

The premier has appointed separate ministers for regional, metropolitan, and active transport along with a minister for metropolitan roads.

“There are challenges in the transport space, we’ve admitted that,” he said.

“Active transport is a key one. By elevating that into a ministerial portfolio we will provide better guidance and outcomes for smaller infrastructure projects.”

Mr Perrottet said David Elliott “slotted perfectly” into the transport portfolio but conceded that Rob Stokes was likely “relieved” to be leaving what is considered a poisoned chalice.

He also hit back at suggestions his new cabinet was inexperienced.

“I don’t believe the men and women standing behind me are inexperienced,” he said.

“Public service is the highest vocation one can have … any good organisation renews and refreshes.

“The team we’ve put together has that blend of energy and experience.”