Kellie Sloane promoted in NSW Liberal reshuffle

A former TV journalist turned politician has been promoted to the health portfolio as state Opposition leader Mark Speakman reboots his team in his first major reshuffle. See who’s in and who’s out.

Former TV journalist turned politician Kellie Sloane has been promoted to the health portfolio as state Opposition leader Mark Speakman reboots his team in his first major reshuffle.

Ms Sloane, a former environment spokeswoman who many regard has what it takes to become a future leader, is among four MPs who have been promoted in the new-look shadow cabinet.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the other winners include Liberal MP Adam Crouch, who will take on the corrections and the Central Coast portfolios, and Chris Rath, who will become the shadow special minister of state — a portfolio that had been held by Alister Henskens.

Outspoken Nationals MP Geoff Provest is also back in the fold, the long-serving Tweed MP promoted to the newly created portfolio of flood recovery. Mr Provest will also become the Opposition spokesman for seniors.

Among the frontbenchers who will take on extra roles include Liberal MP Robyn Preston, who adds Western Sydney to her mental health, medical research and veterans portfolios, while James Griffin will take on environment.

NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman. Picture: Julian Andrews

Kellie Sloane has been promoted in the reshuffle. Picture: Julian Andrews

Nationals leader Dugald Saunders will add trade to his portfolios with his deputy Gurmesh Singh to also take on regional health.

Opposition local government spokeswoman Wendy Tuckerman will hand over small business to Liberal MP Tim James.

Frontbencher Mark Taylor will move to the backbench at his request.

The reshuffle follows the resignations of frontbenchers Matt Kean and Bronnie Taylor, paving the way for Mr Speakman to inject new blood into the team.

Nationals MP Geoff Provest.

Matt Keen quit in June. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Regarded by many of her colleagues as a star on the rise, Ms Sloane had been filling the role of environment spokeswoman since entering state politics last year.

Raised in South Australia, Ms Sloane began her journalism career at the ABC before moving to Sydney after joining Channel 9 where she would spend the next 14 years interviewing prime ministers, covering the Oscars and “dancing with John Travolta in his private jet”.

“I would bet that not too many people say that in their inaugural speech,” she said.

However, it was witnessing the aftermath of the Bali bombings that had the most profound impact, with Ms Sloane declaring she returned as a “changed person”.

The frustration of having a voice “but not a direct line of influence” was something that ultimately led her into politics.

Mr Speakman said his “refreshed” new cabinet would be focused on holding the Minns government to account on cost-of-living and the demands of the unions.

“We are determined to fight for NSW families and businesses,” he said.

Mr Saunders said the reshuffle would help to “reinvigorate” the team.

“A part of being an effective Opposition is valuing the experience we have, while also bringing in fresh talent to shake things up,” he said.

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